A Week of Christmas WonderSample

Day 4

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

Luke 2:4-5 

We are all on a journey. We may be traveling a road regarding our health, dreams, family, finances, or employment. We may be straddling a path of relationships. Yes, we are all traveling to some degree in varying areas of life. And to God, the journey is often more important than the destination.

Mary and Joseph were on a journey too, and it wasn’t effortless. The roughly 90-100 miles between Nazareth and Bethlehem wasn’t Easy-Peasy Street. It was rugged terrain, uphill and down, and fraught with wild animals and wild people ready to pounce upon vulnerable travelers. There were no Walmarts, SPAR shops, or McDonald’s to dash into for needed supplies or food. Remember, being pregnant and most likely walking is no joke. Their journey was treacherous, uncomfortable, and inconvenient. 

We can learn from the Christmas couple’s sojourn. For one, they were laser-focused. They knew where they had to get to, and they kept their eye on the prize. It doesn’t appear they allowed distractions, distance, or discomfort to get in their way. 

Yet, may I ask? How many times have we given up on hopes, dreams, or God’s promises because we have pulled the card that it is just too difficult, expensive, or taking too long? Are we forgetting that our God is bigger and better than all these meager excuses?

Mary and Joseph trusted God even when all seemed impossible or implausible. Have we given up on Him? Have we left His path for us? Stop and look around where you are right now. Is the Lord in your sights?

Life’s pilgrimages are a lot like waiting. However, the Bible's Hebrew word for waiting (qavah) not only means expectancy but also being tightly bound to the One we are waiting upon. This speaks much more about an invitation to intimacy with God and a lot less about tapping our watches, biding our time for an outcome. 

We can either choose to journey and wait well in Holy Spirit fullness or travel and waste our time complaining and frustrated in our flesh. Let’s choose the first. Because the journey is significant. And like Mary, He is birthing something wonder-full within our lives. Let’s not miss His audacious plans.

Take a moment to consider: What hopes or dreams have I given up on? Take time with the Lord to have an honest discussion about these things and listen carefully to what He speaks to your heart.