“And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child” (Luke 2:3-5).
A distance of ninety miles, but in those days, it was a great distance to travel on foot through sometimes dangerous territory. A dutiful man takes his fiancée with him to his ancestral home. Time, place, and specific details are given so that we may know that this is a real event. Theophilus, to whom this was written initially, was a thinking and rational man. The Lord also wants us to think and rationalize.
Lord, in a world that thinks that reasoning through the scientific method is the only valid way of thinking, help me to understand the truth You have revealed for the ages. You have picked the time and place, and You are the One who guides history through its course. Help me to look to You, the source of all things, and the God who has given me a mind to think, in order that I may think, reason, and understand all that You are revealing.
Lord Jesus, You have come to lead the way into a new creation of those who will become like You. The world continues its rebellion, but You have come so that I may be conformed to Your image. I am made in Your image, and I need to be conformed to Your image. Help me on each step of the way so that I may become what the Father is making of me. Help me to always follow Your lead. Amen.
