In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. – Luke 2:1-3

A census was ordered and everyone traveled back to their hometown to register. The roads were probably full and the cities crowded as families packed up and traveled back to their town of origin to be counted.

I picture that this must have been a lot like Christmas Eve is now. Offices close early, stores close up and cars are loaded as families gather for their Christmas celebrations.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. – Luke 2:4-7

Because they were not the only travelers, there was no place for Mary and Joseph to settle in for the night — no place except the stable. The city was full of families gathering and reuniting for the census, but no one noticed this young couple looking for a place to stay. They were too busy, too distracted, too oblivious.

In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God. – Psalm 10:4

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your many blessings as we gather with family and friends for Christmas. Please draw our attention from the chaos of the holiday and back to the baby in the manger. Remind us of the reason we gather — the reason we celebrate.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this. – Isaiah 9:6-7