Daily devotion – travel weary.
The Journey to Bethlehem – When Weariness Meets Wonder
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1–14; Matthew 1:18–25
Having travelled many hours and covered some distance recently, I have been reminded of the weariness that comes with travelling. It has made me think about a young couple, Joseph and Mary, who were expecting their first child.
Their journey, however, was no ordinary journey.
Following the most supernatural announcement that Mary, a virgin, would conceive and give birth to the Son of God, another unexpected challenge lay ahead. Rome decreed that a census should be taken, requiring Joseph to travel to Bethlehem because he belonged to the house and lineage of David.
Luke 2:4–5 (KJV)
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”
The distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem is approximately 154 kilometres. Imagine making that journey on foot, possibly with Mary travelling on a donkey, as we often picture in the Christmas story.
Mary was heavily pregnant, with the birth of Jesus drawing near. I cannot begin to imagine the physical toll this journey must have taken on her, and indeed on Joseph as he accompanied and cared for his young wife.
The discomfort, exhaustion and uncertainty must have been considerable. Yet this was a journey that had to be undertaken.
What strikes me about the Christmas story is that God had chosen this young couple for the most extraordinary privilege in human history. They were entrusted with bringing the Saviour of the world into the world!
Luke 1:30–31 (KJV)
“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.”
What an incredible calling! Yet, with that calling came a journey that was not without hardship.
When Joseph and Mary finally arrived in Bethlehem, there was no room for them.
Luke 2:7 (KJV)
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
No comfortable accommodation, no special arrangements, no royal welcome. The King of Kings was about to enter the world in the humblest of circumstances.
And yet, there is no record in Scripture of Joseph and Mary complaining or questioning God’s plan. Their story reminds us of obedience, faith and trust in God, even when circumstances are difficult and the road ahead is uncertain.
Then came the moment that changed the world. Jesus was born!
I wonder whether the joy and wonder of finally holding the promised Messiah somehow eclipsed the weariness and hardships of the journey that had brought them to Bethlehem.
The angels certainly understood the significance of this moment!
Luke 2:10–11 (KJV)
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
What a wonderful declaration!
The journey had been difficult, but the purpose was greater than the hardship. God was unfolding His divine plan of salvation, and the birth of Jesus would change the destiny of humanity forever.
What does this mean for us today?
We all experience journeys in life that leave us weary. Some are physical, others emotional and spiritual. There are seasons when the road seems long, circumstances are uncomfortable, and we wonder how much further we must travel.
Yet the Christmas story reminds us that God is at work even when the journey is difficult.
Joseph and Mary could not have fully understood all that lay ahead, but they trusted God and took the next step in obedience.
Perhaps that is a timely reminder for us too: Do not allow the weariness of the journey to rob you of the wonder of God’s promises.
May the Christmas story refresh our hearts once again. May we never become so familiar with the account of Christ’s birth that we lose sight of its incredible significance.
For the birth of our Saviour was not simply the arrival of a baby in Bethlehem. It was the fulfilment of God’s promise and the beginning of the earthly life of the One who would ultimately give His life for us.
John 3:16 (KJV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
What a gift! What a Saviour! What a reason to celebrate Christmas!