Let me introduce them.
Luke tells about the first in five words: “In those days Caesar Augustus” (2:1).
The Christmas story was a historical event, fixed in time and space: “In those days…”, and involved real events with real people: “…Caesar Augustus”.
Caesar Augustus. King of theRoman Empire. Ruler over the greatest superpower in the world. Worshipped as king and god. Founder of Pax Romana (Roman Peace), the security and stability that Roman rule brought. Caesar Augustus. Mighty. Powerful. King.
And the second…
“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 room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:4-7).
Caesar Augustus. Pax Romana.
A baby. Jesus. Prince of Peace.
Do you see it? The contrast? The tension? The choice?
Which king will you serve?