“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David. He went to be registered with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him, and who was expecting a child.”
Luke 2:4-5, NET Bible
We’re
three days away from Christmas. Perhaps, like me, you still have a myriad of
things to do to prepare for coming guests. The physical demands on our time,
strength, and resources can quickly change our “Fa-la-la-la-las” to “Bah humbugs!”
Scripture
reveals that Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register
for a mandatory tax census. Bethlehem was three days away, and Mary would travel
by donkey―not a comfortable mode of transportation for a woman nine months
pregnant and expecting a child any day. The timing couldn't have been worse.
I
wonder what Mary’s words to Joseph were as they packed for their journey. I
know what I'd say, but I can’t imagine Mary grumbling. When told by the angel of her
divine role in God’s plan, she communicated a sweet spirit of submission. “Behold,
I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke
1:38, ESV). Although Mary dealt with the frailties of humanness, God gave
her his grace for her journey.
Regardless of what this week holds as we prepare for Christmas, let’s
refuse to allow grumbling and complaining to penetrate our spirits of
celebration. God promises us the grace we need for our respective journeys.
Carry a Mary spirit. We’re three days away. Christ has come!
Now it's your turn. What is one way you relieve stress during the of the holidays?
I always welcome your comments.
Carry a Mary spirit. We’re three days away. Christ has come!
Now it's your turn. What is one way you relieve stress during the of the holidays?
I always welcome your comments.
Merry Christmas!
Starr
