“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from
Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took
place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered,
everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of
Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because
he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his
betrothed wife, who was with child.” (Luke 2:1-5 NKJ)
The Christmas story has always been and continues to be a wonderful story
of God’s love and provision. At every annual Christmas program, we are surprised
anew with the story’s ordinary elements of life.
of God’s love and provision. At every annual Christmas program, we are surprised
anew with the story’s ordinary elements of life.
In the ordinary course of life “in those days,” the government implemented
a tax and census program. And nothing can trash our expectations like a census
and taxes. Yet, God used this ordinary action of government to fulfill the
prophecies concerning the Savior’s birthplace.
a tax and census program. And nothing can trash our expectations like a census
and taxes. Yet, God used this ordinary action of government to fulfill the
prophecies concerning the Savior’s birthplace.
Although the trip was only seventy miles long, it wound over the mountains and
through unfriendly Samaritan country. In addition, there were several rivers to
cross, which may or may not have had any bridges. Today, this trip would ordinarily take a
little over an hour to complete. But “in those days,” ordinary travel on a
donkey, with an expectant mother close to term, would have been extremely grueling
and would have taken much longer.
through unfriendly Samaritan country. In addition, there were several rivers to
cross, which may or may not have had any bridges. Today, this trip would ordinarily take a
little over an hour to complete. But “in those days,” ordinary travel on a
donkey, with an expectant mother close to term, would have been extremely grueling
and would have taken much longer.
Then, arriving late in Bethlehem to find all public accommodations filled
to capacity would have added to Mary’s discomfort and Joseph’s stress. Perhaps “no
vacancy” was an ordinary element of travel in those days, but without doubt, spending
the night in a stable was not the ordinary thing for Joseph and Mary. Yet, this
sacrifice was required in order to comply with the governmental decree and God’s
plan.
to capacity would have added to Mary’s discomfort and Joseph’s stress. Perhaps “no
vacancy” was an ordinary element of travel in those days, but without doubt, spending
the night in a stable was not the ordinary thing for Joseph and Mary. Yet, this
sacrifice was required in order to comply with the governmental decree and God’s
plan.
In the ordinary course of life, difficulties and sacrifices are normal.
Even Christmas is not free of them. But the blessings that result are sometimes
beyond belief. We just never know when and where God’s miracle might occur, but
it is usually in the most ordinary place among ordinary people.
Even Christmas is not free of them. But the blessings that result are sometimes
beyond belief. We just never know when and where God’s miracle might occur, but
it is usually in the most ordinary place among ordinary people.
If you are skeptical about this, consider the best laid plans of mice and
men. In most cases, the miracle that transforms people does not occur in their
fantastic schemes. Instead, God’s miracle occurs as they simply walk across the
ordinary but complex matrix of life.
men. In most cases, the miracle that transforms people does not occur in their
fantastic schemes. Instead, God’s miracle occurs as they simply walk across the
ordinary but complex matrix of life.
Dear Father, thank you for our ordinary lives. Empower us with the sensitivity
to recognize your handiwork in our everyday existence. This I pray in the name
of Jesus. AMEN
to recognize your handiwork in our everyday existence. This I pray in the name
of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and courageous today in your life,