Traveling to Where, Lord?
Most all of us travel each day to and from familiar destinations in our usual frame of mind. Unknowingly, we are thinking about our jobs, upcoming events for our families, a performance by our child(ren), an important lecture or meeting, shopping lists...and so on and so on.
In Luke 2:1-20, God sent several people on missions to new and unfamiliar destinations. Mary rode, very pregnant and uncomfortably, on a donkey for long distances, anxiously awaiting the birth of JESUS. Joseph walked while leading the donkey for many days through land unknown, with a determination to find a proper birthing place for his unborn child, Jesus. The angel of the Lord traveled to where the shepherds were watching their flocks in order to bring them joyful news of the Messiah's birth. Then a multitude of heavenly host traveled to sing the praises and proclaim peace on earth. The shepherds traveled in haste to Bethlehem to see Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, who was wrapped in cloth lying in a manger. Each of these traveled on their faith in God, not by sight of the outcome, and Jesus was the reason. God was with each of them as they traveled, just as he is for us each day that we live in his world.
About a month ago, I, too, traveled uncharted territory to see my first grand baby. As we traveled by car, the hours seem to pass slowly as daylight turned to evening; then my anticipation of what was to be suddenly turned to excitement and joy. I wondered with awe how God can create a baby that brings such excitement, love, and joy. I can just imagine how Mary, Joseph and the others felt at their moment of sight, as their eyes fell upon baby Jesus in that lowly manger amidst the glow of the brightly shining stars in the clear night sky.
Dear Heavenly Father, help us trust and praise you for your loving heart and hands that bring us through pathways of the unknown, to receive the comfort, hope, love and joy you have offered each of us. We praise you for bringing us your Son, Jesus, to light our ways through life here on earth.
Happy Birthday, baby Jesus! Merry Christmas to each of you this season.