The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 2:1-7, “Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.

2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,

5 in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.”

According to Roman law, a census of the people was taken every 14 years. The purpose was for taxation and for eligibility for military service. Everyone was compelled to return to his city of birth to register. The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem was some 80 miles.

Apparently, it was necessary for both Joseph and Mary to register. Both were Jewish, although they came from different lineages. From Joseph, Jesus received His legal right to the throne of David. Matthew carries the genealogy of Joseph back and through David to Abraham, the father of the Jewish people. For Luke, the concern and emphasis was that Jesus was actually, truly, and humanly the Son of Mary. So, he traces Jesus’ bloodline back through Mary to David, back to Abraham, back to Adam and back to God. Thus, Jesus is both “The Son of Man” and “The Son of God.”

Marriage arrangements in biblical times were legal contracts and usually undertaken by the couples’ parents. The parents engaged in a contract for their children that was as binding as the marriage itself. In some instances today, that is arguably a good idea. Christian parents want their children to be happy and successful in marriage. Parents also, having themselves lived together, are aware of the elements that make for a successful marriage and the dangers that work against a marriage. Physical appearence and personal mannerisms often today displace the true elements of love and devotion –elements that are indespensable to a loving, lasting marriage.

There are multiple pitfals that await marriages today. Yet, with the couple’s devotion to Christ, they can be foreseen and avoided. Preparation for engagement and marriage commences with personal commitment to the LORD Jesus Christ and His Word. The Holy Spirit then steers those who are dedicated to Christ into the right pathway, so as to bring them together. When we live as the LORD would have us live, He Himself is glorified. And His glorification is the ultimate purpose for all of His children.

We love you and wish the LORD best for you always,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”