Luke 2: 1-5
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
Caesar’s decree that a census be taken required Joseph and his very pregnant wife to travel eighty miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. One can only imagine how uncomfortable the journey must have been for Mary who was so close to her time to deliver. She may have ridden the donkey part of the way or walked. It must have also been rather unsettling, not knowing where they would stay once they got there and whether she would give birth in an unfamiliar location. Through it all they stayed faithful. With Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the Scriptures were fulfilled. God made a way for Peace to enter our world through Jesus. God was with them in their difficult circumstances, certainly not making it easy or comfortable, but He was there with His Peace.
So often we think that when our circumstances are challenging, God has removed His blessing or is punishing us for some reason. The Lord doesn’t promise a life free of worry, stress, pain, or difficulties. But He does promise that He is in control, He has a plan, and His Peace will be there. God’s Word is true today, just as it was for Mary and Joseph. He has a plan and will be faithful to complete it.
Faithful Father, thank You for Your Word that is true yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We can trust that You have a plan for our lives and that, no matter the circumstance, You will be there for us, whatever you have planned, You will complete it. We thank you and pray in your Sovereign name. Amen.
