Christmas ViewpointSample

Mary, Birth of Jesus

'In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.'

Think about the situation where Mary finds herself—traveling about 70 miles on horseback while nine months pregnant. She trusts Joseph will see this commitment through. She is trusting his leadership at this moment. She believes she will make it to a safe destination before she gives birth. Her ultimate trust is in God and his will for her life.

Trust is faith, conviction, confidence, and dependence. Her trust had to go far beyond her love for this man to whom she was betrothed.

Viewpoint Reflection

Have there been those in your life who have not followed through on a promise? How has it affected you? Has it affected your relationship with God? What have you done or can you do to overcome moments of questioning the Lord?