ADVENT DAY 18: Dec. 18
Luke 2:1-5
Jesus
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. ESV
The Journey to Bethlehem
By Brinda VanLeuven
Have you ever had to take a trip, and you didn’t really want to go? You couldn’t get out of going. Your boss or a family member needed you somewhere else for a purpose. You knew this trip would be long and daunting, but you packed up and headed down the road to your destination. The reason you went is because you wanted to please the person you were going for.
Joseph and Mary packed up what they needed, hopped on the donkey, and started out to fulfill the official decree of getting registered, to be counted in the census. But it wasn’t just Mary and Joseph taking that trip along with many others. Jesus was tagging along as well. No, He wasn’t on the scene just yet, but yes, He was there.
This trip, although maybe not their first choice, was going to end up a trip of a lifetime. The purpose of this trip wasn’t just to follow the decrees of registration. This trip was fulfilling a prophecy given long ago from Micah (5:2). This trip would be a continuation of God’s purpose for the entire world.
Did Mary and Joseph see the entire picture yet? No, they didn’t. And neither do we in our lives. Jesus would be born on this trip, and everything would change. Would there be joy? Yes. Would there be turmoil? Yes. For many years to come, there would be a mix of both. Does that sound like our journey? It does for me.
But knowing Jesus is with me on this trip called “my life” is what keeps me moving in the right direction. Even when I don’t see the entire reason, or it’s just too daunting, my hope is JESUS—no matter where I land.
Prayer:
God of Grace and Mercy, weave all my travels into your purpose. Jesus, as I travel hold on to me as I hold on to you. Amen.
