traveling

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 

- Luke 2:4 (NKJV)

 

We hear the Christmas story every year, it holds a special place in our hearts (or at least it should).
We know that Joseph was a little nervous about taking Mary for his wife, until the angel explained things.
We know that Mary was very pregnant when they made the trip to Bethlehem for the census.
I love Amy Grant’s thoughts on the birth of Jesus from Mary’s perspective in her song Breath of Heaven released in 1992:
I have travelled many moonless nights

Cold and weary with a baby inside

And I wonder what I've done

Holy Father, You have come

And chosen me now to carry Your Son

I am waiting in a silent prayer

I am frightened by the load I bear

In a world as cold as stone

Must I walk this path alone?

Be with me now

Be with me now

Breath of Heaven

Hold me together

Be forever near me

Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven

Lighten my darkness

Pour over me Your Holiness

For you are Holy

Breath of Heaven

Do You wonder as You watch my face?

If a wiser one should have had my place

But I offer all I am

For the mercy of Your plan

Help me be strong

Help me be

Help me

Breath of Heaven

Hold me together

Be forever near me

Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven

Lighten my darkness

Pour over me Your Holiness

For You are Holy

Breath of Heaven

Hold me together

Be forever near me

Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven

Lighten my darkness

Pour over me Your Holiness

For You are Holy

Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven
How frightened Mary must have been. 
I can’t imagine preparing to give birth with no other women around to help me through.
In a dirty, smelly stable, after traveling for miles, you know she had to be exhausted, wondering if God had done the right thing by choosing her.
But Mary was strong, and she did as she was told. 
She followed God’s plan to the letter. 
I wonder if we would benefit from following God’s word like that. 
I bet we would.  

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible