Christmas: Jesus or Caesar? Who is Lord?

Caesar Augustus and Jesus

Caesar Augustus (born Gaius Octavius; 23 September 63 BC — 19 August AD 14), also known as Octavian, reigned from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. At the death of Julius and the installation of Augustus a bright star shown for seven days. One ancient historian, exaggerating of course said it “lit the night and day.” It wasn’t a star really as science now tells us it was a comet that passed by. To reinforce this message to the populus his image was placed on a coin and the other side had the star/comet on it with the inscription “God our Saviour.”

The Comet became a powerful symbol in the political propaganda that launched the career of Caesar’s great-nephew (and adoptive son) Augustus. The Temple of Divus Iulius (Temple of the Deified Julius) was built (42 BC) and dedicated (29 BC) by Augustus for purposes of fostering a “cult of the comet”. (It was also known as the “Temple of the Comet Star”.) At the back of the temple a huge image of Caesar was erected. Caesar was now “God in the flesh.” Or at least that was the propaganda being pushed.

Advent Slogans

Caesar is lord. No other name on earth by which man can be saved. Peace on earth and goodwill to men. Augustus was the beginning of good news for mankind. Sound familiar?

How Christmas Echoes the Birth of Caesar Augustus

The story of the birth of Jesus is one that has been shared for centuries, and it’s a story filled with love, joy, peace, and hope. But did you know that this beloved story actually echoes the events surrounding the birth of Julius Caesar’s grandnephew, Caesar Augustus? It’s true! Let’s take a look at how these two stories connect and reveal a hidden message in both.

The Census & Taxes

One of the most interesting connections between the Christmas story and that of Caesar Augustus is that both involved a census or tax being taken throughout their respective empires. In Luke 2:1–2 we read about how “In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered… This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.” Similarly, when Caesar Augustus ascended to power he initiated something called an “Augustan Tax Reform” designed to increase revenue throughout his empire. So in both stories, a leader calls for a census or tax to be taken in order to gather more resources from his citizens.

Divine Signs & Wonders

Another connection between these two stories is found in the signs and wonders surrounding each birth. According to Matthew 2:1–12 we read about how wise men were guided to Bethlehem by a star — an event which many believe signaled the coming king. Similarly, shortly after Caesar Augustus was born it’s said there were several omens foretelling great things for him such as eagles flying around his house and strange lights illuminating inside. And of course the comet that shown at Julius death and his inauguration. So in both stories signs are given foretelling something special about each man’s destiny.

Divine Authority

Lastly, both stories demonstrate divine authority over mankind’s affairs; God orchestrated Jesus’ arrival while Julius Caesar declared himself “son of god” — granting himself almost complete control over Roman life. In Luke 2:7 we read about how Jesus was born “in accordance with what had been spoken by Lord through the prophet” while in 14 BC Julius declared himself “son of god” — granting himself almost complete control over Roman life. So in both cases divine authority is exercised over mankind’s affairs in order for His purposes to be accomplished on earth. The difference is one uses might, power, fear to execute his plan while the other, Jesus, uses love, acceptance, forgiveness, mercy, etc..

Both stories demonstrate similar accounts regarding taxation/census taking, signs & wonders related to each birth event as well as divine authority being exercised over mankind’s affairs — revealing an incredible connection between them!

It goes without saying that these similarities aren’t coincidental; rather they point us towards some kind of deeper truth or hidden message about who Jesus truly is and what He came here to do for us all those years ago! For those seeking answers about why Christmas remains so powerful even today, this connection could provide some much needed insight into its true meaning! No Jesus was not born on Dec 25 and the no doubt the gospel writers used already established Roman propaganda when describing the birth of Christ to compare and contrast the two types of governments/Kingdoms.

The Oppression of Empire

In the Bible, Mary and Joseph are forced to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem due to an imperial decree issued by Caesar Augustus. This imperial decree requires all citizens of the Roman Empire to register for a census. In doing so, it effectively forces people from their homes, forcing them into unfamiliar places where their lives can easily be controlled by the ruling empire. In this instance, Mary and Joseph were forced into Bethlehem where Jesus was eventually born.

The Weakness of Empire

When Jesus was born in the manger, he was surrounded by shepherds who were considered outcasts of society because they lived outside of urban centers and could not be controlled by any kind of imperial rule or power structure. They were also outcast to the Jews being considered unclean. These shepherds are then visited by angels who tell them about Jesus being born in Bethlehem — proving that even those who do not live within an empire’s boundaries or meet religious standards can still receive divine messages from God. This aspect shows that those outside the control of an oppressive empire and religion are just as important in the eyes of God.

In addition, when Jesus is born in a manger instead of a palace illustrates how Jesus’ birth shows that true power does not come from wealth or material possessions but rather from spiritual strength through faith in God and his teachings. This idea serves as a direct challenge to empire’s belief that power comes from money or military might alone.

Overall, while most people today may simply view the traditional Nativity story as part of Christmas tradition, there is much more to this story than meets the eye. When looked at closely, we can see that it contains powerful messaging about oppression under imperial rule and how true strength does not come solely from material wealth or military might but rather through faith in God’s teachings — something which stands true even today.

The story of Jesus offers a direct alternative to the caesar story. Therefore, it is important for us all to remember this message during our holiday celebrations this year!

Let us end this conversation by asking, “Are we saying Jesus but our lives cry ceaser?”

How do you treat your spouse? Jesus or Caesar

How do you treat your neighbor, the one with different views than you? Jesus or Caesar

The people around you who have less than you? Jesus or Caesar

People of other faiths or no faith at all? Jesus or Caesar

Christmas isnt something to believe in. It is something to fundamentally change the way we see and interact witht he world around us. You know like how we act when the waitress takes too long or how we respond to the person who cuts us off in traffic.

Jesus or Caesar?