Luke 2:1-6

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³ All went to their own towns to be registered. ⁴ Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. ⁵ He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. ⁷ And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the guest room.^[a]

One of the first travel stories in the New Testament marches right in and captures our hearts. A young pregnant woman (who was a virgin) well into her eighth month, and her betrothed, made the arduous journey from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem (the city of David) in Judea to obey the modern law requiring a census and the ancient holy prophecy that the Savior would have ties to King David. As the crow flies, the distance in question is around 70 miles. We can only imagine Joseph walking and leading the donkey on which the greatly pregnant Mary slowly and tenderly rode. Most scholars estimate it took four long days, at best. But these two faithful followers of God made the trip that was required. Obediently, if not gladly. And they paved the way for the saga of the Savior of the World. Can we be so obedient and happy in our walk with God?

Prayer

Wonderful God, I praise You for choosing to send Your Son into the world, and for the people You chose to work out Your will and purpose. And I ask You to show me how I might also be included in Your plan for enabling and sharing the good news. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.