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Joseph also went up from Galilee…into…the city of David, which is called Bethlehem…to be registered with Mary… 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, Seven-Elevens, 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 kept their eye on the prize. It doesn’t appear they allowed distractions, distance, or discomfort to get in their way. How often 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? Do we forget 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 now. Is the Lord in your sights?
Life’s pilgrimages are a lot like waiting, as we have been learning. We can either choose to journey and wait well in the Holy Spirit's 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 journey am I currently taking? How is the Holy Spirit encouraging me today through this lesson?
About this Plan
Christmas is filled with wonder. Yet under the twinkly lights and piles of paper and ribbon, all its promise can be lost in our must-do lists, noisy distractions, or dreams dismantled by the stuff of life. Instead, let’s journey to the manger where Jesus came for our rescue. Realizing that we will only begin to scratch the surface of Who He is and what He has done in this lifetime.
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