If The Roman Census Had Been Digital: A Christmas Reflection

A Journey That Was Not Optional

Every Christmas we remember a deeply human story… and also deeply administrative, although it is not always emphasized. Mary and Joseph did not travel to Bethlehem for tourism, nor for spontaneous devotion, nor on a whim: they traveled because they had to be registered.

The Roman Empire had ordered a general census and, like any serious administration of the time, required physical presence. No shortcuts.

A Not Very Efficient Notice

We will never know precisely how Mary and Joseph found out they had to travel. It was probably through:

• A local official.
• An edict posted in the square.
• Some messenger in a hurry.

What we do know for certain is that they did not receive a registered email. If they had received it, they would have had irrefutable proof of:

• What was requested of them.
• Who requested it.
• When they were notified.
• Where and how they should carry out the procedure.

They also could not register remotely, since electronic signature, digital identification, or anything similar to remote consent did not exist. So they had to go in person. In other times, for example today, they would have avoided a long and uncomfortable journey with Mary in an advanced state of pregnancy.

As so many times throughout history, the absence of digital tools turned an administrative procedure into a logistical odyssey.

Kings, Shepherds And Angels… All In Person

The same happened afterward.

The Magi did not receive a digital notice. A star had to be placed in the firmament to notify and guide them. For their part, the shepherds did not receive any electronic notification that they should abandon their flocks to go worship the baby Jesus. Nor did the angels use any electronic channel for the annunciation.

Everything was in person, oral, and —from an administrative point of view— absolutely impossible to accredit.

The Total Absence Of Documentary Evidence

Here appears the most curious detail.

There is no Roman administrative document —neither papyrus, nor bronze tablet, nor official inscription— that records the names of Mary and Joseph as registered in that census. Not because it did not happen. But because no verifiable record remained.

If that census had been carried out today:

• The notice would have arrived by registered email.
• Acceptance would have been formalized with electronic signature.
• The record would have been stored as evidence.

Two thousand years later, someone could download the certificate and it would still be valid!

A Conclusion Without Solemnity

Christmas reminds us of many important things: tradition, encounter, trust.

Also, without meaning to, it reminds us of something very simple: for centuries humanity trusted in memory, word, and physical presence. Today, in addition, we have electronic evidence that helps us make life and relationships more… reliable.

And although the most famous birth in history did not need a certificate to accredit it, many everyday procedures do appreciate it.

Happy Holidays.