Can you imagine? You’re due any day. The babe you are carrying, pressing harder each day, making the arrival eminent. His cousin, John…born. He’s already here…he’ll be the one to prepare.
Now…now you are told you must travel to another town to be counted…for taxes.
Whether they traveled on donkey or foot….the way would have been difficult. The roads full of other travelers, all heading for the home land of their ‘fathers’….to be counted.
“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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. she wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. ” Luke 2: 4-6
Luke, the Doctor, speaking to a Greek audience, pulling in more details…that’s what he is known for. He paints a picture for us, that points back in time to Micah…
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2
The prophecy fulfilled…..the savior to be born in Bethlehem….not in Nazareth. The census, appearing to be the work of man, really the hand of God…fulfilling the prophecy of the Son to be born…..and Micah pointing forward to John…
Who speaks on two levels…
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word as with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made, without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” John 1:1-5
So, do we understand it…and as we prepare out hearts for the celebration of His Birth….do we truly get it? Are we celebrating it? Are we celebrating in the world or of the world? Only the Father can show us the way….only the Father knows our hearts or our motives. So, however you celebrate….it’s your heart he desires to know…HE loves you….He’s offering this beautiful gift…wrapped at the beginning of time, unwrapped at the perfect time….just for you!
Be Blessed, Be Merry…and join with others as you celebrate the true meaning of Christmas…
Join me and Jennifer Janes, as we share our Seeds for the week. Share your verse(s) with us through linking your blog or a comment. We have no rules….no need to use our button, etc…just share and encourage others….and celebrate with us….we may put ONE day aside to truly celebrate the Birth of Christ, but everyday should be a celebration, one filled with joy!
Like you, I am trying so hard to REALLY get it this year! He knows my heart—and yours. Merry CHRISTmas, friend!
Merry Christmas to you, too…praying for some big blessings for you this year!
Again, Rebecca, an absolutely beautiful reflection and post. Thank you for these posts and having us focus on what happened those many years ago and how the sacrifices, obedience and devotion of Mary and Joseph made it all possible. I cannot imagine traveling like that while 9 months pregnant. I cannot imagine how Joseph must have felt, being entrusted with the unborn Savior and His Mother, when they were turned away from one inn to another. But, in all things, they had incredible trust. I know I need to better follow their example.
I hope the rest of your week is wonderful and that your Christmas is beautiful and blessed, my friend!
Lisa
Lisa, Thanks….I only used His words….they are the best and the truth….I can’t imagine the road this couple traveled…as they parented the Lord, the Creator…the Word… Be blessed and have a very Merry Christmas!
Excellent post, Rebecca! You know…I’ve been re-reading Luke this month. Just this past week, I made the connection to Micah, and marked it in my Bible. Thanks for pointing it out. I love how the Old connects the New, and knowing the best is yet to come.
Happy Wednesday!
Larri, I have such a thick skull…I had to have someone point out Christ in the old testament…He’s there…all the way through, from beginning to end!!! Yes, Happy Wednesday to you, too!
I LOVE the picture that you paint of Mary…with your words and with His! It makes me wonder how she must have been feeling at this time – to have conceived a child in this miraculous way. We know that Joseph believed her because the Angel appeared to him, but what about their families and their friends? Did they think Mary & Joseph were crazy? Or that they were lying about not having been together?
Our Sunday School class did a BEAUTIFUL presentation of “Mary Did You Know” this past Sunday that moves me every time I see it. That sweet baby that would one day go on to deliver us. Praise Him, Immanuel!
Stephanie, I’m sure many thought they were nuts, called them names…..but, according to what we read, they kept their eyes on Him…..what an inspiration!!! Love you!!! Merry Christmas sweet friend…you have been a present/blessing this entire year!!!!
“appeared to be the hand of man, really the hand of God” – Isn’t that always the way? I just love your heart-
“the light shines in darkness. but the darkness hasn’t understood it” – virtually hugging your neck this Christmas! Can’t wait to do it for real my sister!!!
Such lengths God went to to make it so clear that prophecy was fulfilled through the birth of a baby in a manger! Praying that I’ll be sensitive to God’s leading in my life like Mary and Joseph were…and that I can be a part of the kingdom work as I follow His will. A Merry and Blessed Christmas to you!
Jenn, I need that same sensitivity! To do as he commands…not what I ‘want’!!!! Be Blessed…and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the reminder to what is important this holiday season.
Thanks for dropping by! Loved your post on your blog, btw!!! Have a Merry Christmas!
Beautiful post.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas friend.
Sonita, Thank you! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, too!
Oh how glorious our Heavenly Father’s plan in every way! I just love how everything we are studying as a family – Romans, righteousness, advent readings and church services – points us to Christ, without our even trying. Praying for more depth of insight and understanding this Christmas season for your family!
Lauren,
It is amazing…sometimes when we are in the midst of his plan we don’t understand it…until we come out of a valley or off of a mountain on the other side. Praying for your family and looking forward to our Ephesians study together!
the one thing I’ve been chewing on all month “let every heart prepare Him room” … doing more and more of the unpopular to make room. Thanks for the invite.
Everyone is welcome here! Yep-His ways are not “our ways” and when we line our ways with his-they can be unpopular!
looking forward to the Ephesians study too! lovely post! always love your insight -”only the Father knows our hearts and our motives” so so true!