The kings’ wisdom came from years of study. The shepherds learned their lesson in a sudden blaze of glory. The kings followed a star. The shepherds had specific instructions.
Luke 2:12 (ERV)
You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.
Trust God to map out your unique road to Bethlehem.
The kings left their homes and the shepherds left their sheep. What did they get in return? Front row seats to the greatest story ever told.
John 3:16 (ERV)
God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.
Your Bethlehem journey – best road trip ever.
Maybe the wise ones weren’t so wise. They asked the wrong guy—Herod—for directions:
Matthew 2:13 (ERV)
Herod is looking for the child and wants to kill him.
OK, Lord, there are people who will try to trip or trick me on my Bethlehem Road. Give me the wisdom to see them for what they really are.
The wise men spent years studying books and stars.
The shepherds just listened and obeyed. Short and simple. 
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.
