Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas
JOURNEY TO THE MANGER – MERRY CHRISTMAS
Mary and Joseph had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the hometown of Joseph’s family, as required by the Roman Government. It was a distance of about 65 miles not an easy trip for Mary who was almost 9 months pregnant.
The real reason they had to travel to Bethlehem – it was God’s will for Jesus to be born there. He used earthly people and circumstances to bring about His desired result. It was ordained for the Savior of the world to be born in a manger in the town of Bethlehem. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, although you are small among the tribes of Judah, from you will come forth for Me one who will be ruler over Israel. His origins are from of old, from ancient days.” Micah 5:2 Upon arriving in Bethlehem Mary gave birth in a stable because there were no rooms available anywhere else.
The next few days we are going to take that 65-mile 7-day “journey to the manger” as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Let’s find out what we can learn from their journey to that manger.
DAY ONE – “IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS”!
Christmas Carols on the radio, toys in every store, Christmas trees and decorations are going up, and excitement fills the air. It’s that time of year when the whole world celebrates. The question is what and why are they celebrating? What are you celebrating? The reason for the celebration is the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Don’t miss the reason for the season. Enjoy all of the great fun and activities but make sure to keep Jesus and the center of your celebration.
Joseph and Mary may have traveled on foot 12 miles that first day. Joseph would find a spot to make camp and spend the night. What would he be thinking? How was Mary withstanding such a rugged trip at 9 months pregnant? They were on a journey that would ultimately bring them to the place where hope for all would enter this world.
Christ means hope—to every person – even for the out of work, to the struggling single mother, the sick, the hurting, the needy, the discouraged, and to the lost. He is our hope not only at Christmas but all year long. Let Him be your hope not only in this season but every day! That difficult journey Mary and Joseph had to make was all about Jesus. Christmas is all about Jesus. The reason for the season… is Jesus. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – come, Lord Jesus, come.
Psalm 33-22
“May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.”