Daily Devotions
It wasn’t a good time to travel. Mary was near her time to give birth, and Joseph—well, I suspect there’s never a good time to leave a business. But they obeyed the government, and went up to Bethlehem—a distance of around 90 miles.
Did Mary have a donkey to ride? We don’t know. Most people walked, and she may have done so, too. When you’re not rich and you live in a conquered country, things like this happen. Mary would be far from her family when she gave birth.
This is the world that Jesus came to—a world where bureaucracy comes before babies, and money affects the way you’re treated—even for the family of Jesus. God knew these things would happen, and still He chose this place, this time, this family—for Jesus, His beloved Son. Even before His birth Jesus would bear our griefs and carry our sorrows—all the way to the cross 33 years later (see Isaiah 53:4).
Jesus shared our life for love. Because of His death and resurrection, everyone who trusts in Him will share Jesus’ own everlasting life—in the joy and peace of God’s kingdom.
WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, stay close to me, and keep me close to You. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Does it help to know that Jesus shared the hardships you suffer?
* Why or why not?
* As a believer, you will share His life and joy. What do you think of when you imagine that?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.