Advent Devotional: Day 24
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.”
Taxes. Greeeeat. Put that on your Christmas card! Doesn’t exactly fit the whole “Home for the Holidays” Hallmark Channel vibe now, does it? And not only that, but a disruptive cross country move … at the most inconvenient time. Whose idea was this anyway?
Oh yeah…
Now, two thousand years later, we have the benefit of hindsight to look back on this story through our “happily ever after” lenses. We can see that it had to be this way, to fulfill scripture, “… 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.” (Micah 5:2) We can see the beautiful symbolism of the King of Kings, humbling Himself, “being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7), making His entrance in obscurity, among literal beasts. Immanuel. God with us. Yes. Of course. It had to be this way.
It all makes sense … in hindsight.
But do you honestly think when that decree went out and the news trickled down to Joseph and Mary, the first thought that went through their mind was “Oh yay! Taxes! Road trip! This is going to be amaaaazing!” I’m thinking not. I am thinking perhaps it was more like “Really? Come on, seriously???” Okay, maybe that’s just me.
But if that was their first thought I wouldn’t fault them for it. Because let’s not forget, they were in the middle of it, and all they knew was what was immediately before them … and that can be overwhelming … in the moment. But they also knew Who had come before them… Who had gone before them … Who was with them … and in Mary’s case, even IN them. They were not alone. They literally walked with God the whole way. And they ended up in EXACTLY the RIGHT PLACE at the RIGHT TIME.
Isn’t that just the way God is?
“Father, give us eyes to see Jesus among us… the Holy Spirit in us… as we ready our hearts to celebrate Immanuel… even (and especially) through whatever “curveballs” are thrown our way. Strengthen our feet to walk with You! ”
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