Imagine you’re a shepherd or a wise man, on the road to Bethlehem. What would you say to God?
The shepherds were on the road to Bethlehem for only a few minutes, the other guys (the “wise” ones) perhaps a few years.
All Bethlehem journeys are not the same. Don’t doubt just because your trip is different.
You may have heard–and prayed–about persecuted Christians in Myanmar (Burma). The country is 90% Buddhist, and people of other faiths aren’t wanted. Right now, the world’s eyes are on the Rohingya, a Muslim minority group.
This group lived in Burma for hundreds of years, but the government does not consider them citizens. Thus, they have no property rights and no protection. Recent violence has driven more than 600,000 of them over the border into Bangladesh. Refugee camps are packed, and still more people come.
The Rohingya people are in the midst of their own Exodus. Open Doors, known for its focus on persecuted Christians, has added the Rohingya people to their prayer list: for safety as they flee, that the leader of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, would not have a hard heart like Pharaoh and for an open door to the Gospel:
“May believers . . . be given opportunities to share of their hope to those around them walking in darkness and uncertainty.”
In Mary’s own words:
Luke 1:38 (CEV)
“I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen
as you have said.”
Yes, Lord, your will be done on my road to Bethlehem and beyond. Amen.
Surely Mary had collected some sweet things in preparation—soft baby clothes, maybe even a cradle crafted by Joseph. Did she leave them behind in Nazareth?
Psalm 34:10 (ERV)
Those who go to the Lord for help will have every good thing.
The wise men supplied the baby’s needs. God will provide what you need for your Bethlehem journey.
Mary wasn’t expecting a royal welcome. Likely she’d already faced accusing looks and critical comments. That might be why she ran to Elizabeth, the one woman who would understand:
Luke 1:42 (ERV)
She said to Mary, “God has blessed you more than any other woman.”
As you walk your road to Bethlehem, listen to your cheerleaders, not your critics.
Don’t give up because it’s hard.
James 1:4 (GWT)
Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete.
Imagine you’re Mary, on the road to Bethlehem. What would you say to God?
Nazareth to Bethlehem. 90 miles. Not a pleasant trip for a very pregnant woman, on foot or by donkey. Me? I’d whine, “this is NOT what I signed up for.”
God doesn’t promise that your road to Bethlehem will be an easy trip.
It’s Christmas, and we focus on the much-loved baby in the feed box. Let’s take a moment to pray for unwanted babies who desperately need safe shelter. The Drop Box, a documentary produced in 2015, tells how a South Korean pastor stepped in to rescue babies who would otherwise be killed or abandoned.
Lee Jong-rak attached a box to the side of his house with a sign, “Place to Leave Babies.”
The documentary was directed by Brian Ivie, who became a Christian while making the movie. “These kids are not mistakes,” he said. “They are important.”
Lord Jesus, we pray for all the babies who are considered mistakes, unwanted burdens. May they find safe shelter with someone like Pastor Jong-rak. Pour abundant blessings on him and others who eagerly welcome these unwanted babies into their lives. Amen.
When Joseph stepped out on the road to Bethlehem, he had no idea it would take them to Egypt.
Psalm 119:34 (ERV)
Save me from those who want to hurt me,
and I will obey your instructions.
Your road to Bethlehem may take some unexpected turns. Fear not, God goes with you.
Did Joseph wonder why God used a hateful order from an hated ruler to fulfill prophecy that the Messiah be born in Bethlehem? I wonder if Joseph moaned, “All this, and taxes too!”
Isaiah 55:9 (ERV)
My ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.
Don’t worry if your Bethlehem journey doesn’t go according to your plan. God’s got this.
