The Census 2011 forms are here and I have to only fill out the short form. It is mailed but many will fill it out on-line.And it is law that everyone fill one out. What is the penalty if you don't, I wonder.

Over 2000  years ago, it says in Luke 2 that the Emporer Augustus ordered a census to be taken through-out the Roman Empire.  This was not the first Census taken back then.Joseph went from nazareth with a pregnant mary, I might add, to Bethlehem in Judea to be counted. What was the penalty, if he didn't register, I wonder?

Seems this progressive Anglican church in New Zealand had caused a stir with a billboard with the caption "Poor Joseph. God is a hard act to follow."

Church web page:

http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=999

News story here:

 http://www.seattlepi.com/national/1104ap_as_new_zealand_church_billboard.html

Joseph was the favourite son of Jacob:

If you are unfamilaar with the story read it here:

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gen&c=37&v=1&t=KJV#