In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
Luke 2:1-5
With Christmas a week away, many of us are making travel plans to visit the places we grew up. Mary and Joseph had to travel to the land of Joseph's ancestors leading up to the birth of Jesus, but it was not for a friendly visit. As we travel to spend time with our families, let's remember this young couple that traveled because of an order given by Caesar.
Caesar Augustus ordered that everyone go to the town of their ancestors to be counted in the census. This had to have been hard on Joseph and Mary. When I'm pregnant, I do not like to travel very far from home. Of course, travel is easier for us. I cannot imagine what it was like for Mary without our modern comforts. Tradition shows Mary riding to Bethlehem on a donkey, but some say she probably would have walked, not being able to afford a donkey. Either way it must have been a tough journey, but Mary and Joseph obeyed the king. As result, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling a prophecy about the Messiah (Micah 5:2). Obeying authority, even when it is tough, is the right thing do. Sometimes we walk into God's plan just by doing the right thing, one step at a time.
Whatever you are doing now, remember it may lead you to your destiny. Doing that difficult project at work that the boss ask you to do specifically could be a key to God's plan for your life. Serving on that committee at church, in which pastor asked you to be involved, could put you right in the place God wants you to fulfill His plan. Joseph and Mary made the journey because an authority in their life required them to. What are you being asked to do? Are you willing to take small steps that could lead to great journeys with God?
Caesar Augustus ordered that everyone go to the town of their ancestors to be counted in the census. This had to have been hard on Joseph and Mary. When I'm pregnant, I do not like to travel very far from home. Of course, travel is easier for us. I cannot imagine what it was like for Mary without our modern comforts. Tradition shows Mary riding to Bethlehem on a donkey, but some say she probably would have walked, not being able to afford a donkey. Either way it must have been a tough journey, but Mary and Joseph obeyed the king. As result, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling a prophecy about the Messiah (Micah 5:2). Obeying authority, even when it is tough, is the right thing do. Sometimes we walk into God's plan just by doing the right thing, one step at a time.
Whatever you are doing now, remember it may lead you to your destiny. Doing that difficult project at work that the boss ask you to do specifically could be a key to God's plan for your life. Serving on that committee at church, in which pastor asked you to be involved, could put you right in the place God wants you to fulfill His plan. Joseph and Mary made the journey because an authority in their life required them to. What are you being asked to do? Are you willing to take small steps that could lead to great journeys with God?
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