ubj: Luke 2:4-5
Date: 12/24/98 6:25:12 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: knys@teleport.com (Karen Nys)
Reply-to: cinbiblst@cin.org
To: cinbiblst@cin.org
"Joseph went ... to Bethlehem, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who
was with child." Luke 2:4-5
Read Luke, chapter 2, verses 1 to 7
Many ways led to Bethlehem: Mary's and Joseph's long trip from Nazareth;
the shepherds' path over their fields; the wise men's arduous trek across
the desert. Jesus' birth causes each of us to set out on a personal journey
- a journey to meet this God who so humbly and surprisingly came into the
world as a child laying in a manger!
The waiting of the holy family was interrupted by Rome's decree - what
inconvenient timing! - so they set off. The way from Nazareth to Bethlehem
was long, 90 miles by donkey and on foot. Mary had borne the anguish of
wondering what Joseph thought of her pregnancy. We can imagine the two
pondering the ancient prophecies, searching for understanding to ease the
questions in their hearts. Did they share their fears with one another, or
were they calmly silent because it was enough for them to rest in obedience
to God's will?
Did Mary fret a bit as she packed, wondering whether to take the swaddling
bands she had made - or would they be back home in their own village before
her time came? Did Joseph cast a last look longingly back over his shoulder
as Nazareth's security passed out of sight and the way stretched ahead with
a pregnant wife at his side? Yet the same road that led away from
familiarity and comfort led straight to the city where God's promise was to
be fulfilled: "And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least
among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to
shepherd my people Israel" (Matt 2:6; Mic 5:2).
For reflection: Have I ever experienced something fresh coming to birth in
my circumstances once I have been willing to set out on a new road, leaving
behind my old, familiar routines?
Prayer starter: Jesus, in your coming to me, my heart has been opened, too,
to set out on the way to you. May I be just as willing to follow the road
to you as Mary and Joseph were.
***
Copyright God's Word Today, 1998
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