Joseph and his betrothed, Mary traveled to Bethlehem--a week’s journey away from their hometown of Nazareth. Caesar Augustus, the Roman Emperor decreed a census be taken of all lands under his control. Under this edict every male adult had to travel back to his birthplace to register and pay taxes.
Mary knew her time drew near. In spite of this, she made the journey with Joseph. Their chosen route probably bypassed Samaria, lengthening their trip. The ‘highways’ were mere footpaths through the mountains. She rode a donkey for a week until they arrived at Bethlehem. While they traveled, they slept on the ground.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, all the rooms were taken. The best they could find was a stable--a stable. No one assisted her in the birth. Strangers came to see her baby. These strangers ranged from the poorest shepherds to kings of foreign countries.
Through all these days, Mary had to trust God for the outcome. Early on she vowed herself His handmaid--His servant. God’s Word tells us Mary kept her vow until the end of her son’s life.
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And to think, Mary may have been as young as 14! If she had this kind of character as a teen, imagine what a godly woman she became.
ReplyDeleteTradition says even AFTER her son was cruicified she continued her life of servanthood to God.
Mary holds up a very high standard for us, doesn't she?
Merry Christmas,
And thanks so much for faithfully visiting my blog.
Jean
Hi Quiet Spirit -
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. Sometimes we read the Bible and forget these folks were real people, with real emotions, problems, and choices.
Mary had the option. She could have said, "Thanks, but no thanks." Instead, she said, "Be it unto me according to your word." Oh that all of us would be that submitted to the Lord in our daily lives.
Blessings,
Susan :)