The Journey Ahead

The Christmas story is about journeys.

We know this to be true. It starts with Mary and Joseph heading to Bethlehem. The Magi come and journey for probably up to 2 years to see the Christ. Yet, if I am honest this is where I see things essentially stopping. The Christmas journey is over.

Christmas ends the journey.

We anticipate the happy ending. But Scripture doesn’t give us what we want. Instead Scripture sometimes will surprise us and challenge our being.

We sit down to adjust to life.

This is what I think happens to Mary and Joseph. At some point in time they decide to stay put in Bethlehem, for reasons Scripture does not share.

Life happens.

This is one of the great truths of Scripture. Life happens.

God is present in the unexpected journey.

God did not leave the Magi nor Marry and Joseph to fend for themselves.

The gifts of one journey provide for the next.

The gifts of the Magi would have funded the life of the family in Egypt for the short time they were there. We may not realize how God is preparing us for the next journey. The words of the shepherds, Simeon and Anna also would guide them along the path.

God still speaks.

Yes there are times when God seems silent. However in our journey ahead God will reveal himself through His Word to guide us.

God still provides.

Though we may not always understand how, when the journey begins, God will provide.

We are to obey.

This is our job. We don’t get to always give input but we must always respond.

We are to trust.

Mary, Joseph, the Magi and others all trusted God was true to his word.

May the Lord speak and may we listen.

This is the prayer I am praying.