Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and my pastor, Tim Campbell, shared several messages this Christmas season focusing on key persons we often think of during this time. Here is a message about the travels of Mary and Joseph that he shared in church and on his social media page. I have blended the two together (adding a few verses as I don’t his references written down), and I hope it is a blessing for you.
“Mary and Joseph were making the last few miles of their 93-mile trip, more or less, heading to Bethlehem from Nazareth for the census mandated by Caesar Augustus, the emperor of the Roman Empire. Luke 2:4 says, “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)” Depending upon how much Mary could handle, Joseph had led the donkey along, bearing Mary and the Son of God. As I write this, it is cool and raining in Bethlehem. Sometimes it snows in the shepherd’s hills. No, that was not an easy trip – it was forced upon them by the Roman government. Carrying a baby? No excuse. About to deliver? That did not matter to Rome – the tax and census must be accomplished. “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” (Luke 2:1)
Cold, rainy, eating meager fare along the way – Joseph with Mary and the Son of God endured. That was a real hardship. These were real people. Jesus was a real living person in His mother’s womb. He was already the Son of God, even before He was born. At conception, Christ was made flesh for the purpose of living for us, dying for our sins, and rising again for our justification (John 1:14).
Looking toward the heavens, what they could not see was God’s eye upon their journey. He had planned it all, and the angels of heaven were surrounding the young cold family on their way, assuring they would arrive at their appointed destination safely. God knew there would be no room in the inn, and He knew where their journey would end at a sheep cote where Jesus would be born. Nothing could stop the plan of God because He loved us so much. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
As I write this, it is about 7:15 pm in Bethlehem. Darkness is settling on the shepherd’s hills. Not long after this time of day, the Blessed Hope would be born, and the Light of the World would be laid in a manger. “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12). The shepherds were called by the angels, and the star continued its shining to lead the wise men on their way.
That night, the dying world began to live again because the Word was Made Flesh. The day I trusted Christ as my Savior, I began to live, really live because He Really Lives!”
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing!
(from “Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts)
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”- Matthew 1:21
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Jesus came for YOU!