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.
Maybe Joseph worried that other people would think he was a wimp, or crazy, or foolish for heading to Bethlehem with Mary. Scripture says otherwise:
Matthew 1:19, 24 (ERV)
Joseph, was a good man . . . he did what the Lord’s angel told him to do.
All that matters. Lord, is what you think. May my Bethlehem journey be both good and obedient in your eyes.
Imagine that you’re Joseph, on the road to Bethlehem. What would you be saying to God?
There’s solid and steady Joseph, on the road to Bethlehem. On the road to the unexpected. Ready or not, he’s on a journey to change the world.
What about you? Has God called you to step out in faith, to take the first steps on a journey to change your world? What’s your road to Bethlehem? Ready or not, step into God’s plan.
