"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child" (Luke 2:1-5)

Thought For Today: 

How do you feel about paying taxes? It seems as though everything is taxed.  Luke records, “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”  So we can understand that taxes are nothing new.  Do you feel as though you are being over-taxed today?  I’m not talking about finances, even though this may burden some of you. But I’m talking about being overcome and over-taxed with personal problems, cares, and life issues.  You see when you are over-taxed, you can’t escape the heavy burden.  You’re weighed down, and it causes you to feel the pressure.  You feel like the whole world is on your shoulders, and you need some relief.  Politicians will naturally tell you that if you vote for them, they will reduce your taxes.  And you vote for them only to realize they raised your taxes and you are still burdened financially.  Friend,  let me assure you that if you want relief from the taxes of personal problems and the cares of life, you can trust Jesus.  He is the only one who can relieve you from the taxing problems.