In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
So they [the shepherds] hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

[I have been in contact with a number of friends who have experienced difficult journeys in life. Some have struggled with cancer or chronic disease for many years. Others have lost jobs unfairly, endured broken relationships with spouses battling addiction, or lost a parent or child suddenly. This devotional is dedicated to all of you.]

When Mary was told she would be the mother of Jesus, the Son of God, she was understandably afraid of the angelic messenger. Joseph, too, was concerned and confused when he learned Mary was pregnant—until an angel came to explain God’s plan.

I can only imagine the mood in their household when Caesar issued the decree for a census. The timing could not have been worse. Mary was about nine months pregnant, and they likely had very little money. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was roughly 90–100 miles on foot. Pregnant women do not travel as far or as quickly as others, though Mary may have had a donkey. Normally, this would have been a 6–10 day trip; for them, it may have taken 12–14 days.

They arrived with little money, and Mary was ready to give birth. Childbirth is not something anyone wants to do out in the open. There is the need for privacy, for safety, and for the health of the baby.

God has been working on my heart through this passage, inviting me to truly consider the magnitude of what Joseph and Mary endured before Jesus’ birth. Not only did they face the challenge of Mary being pregnant by the Holy Spirit before marriage, but they also had to prepare for a long journey with limited resources.

Yet God was faithful to them. He came through—though not in the way they likely expected or wanted, but in a far greater way. The wise men arrived and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts were not only symbolic of royalty and Jesus’ place in the world; they also provided immediate provision for Mary and Joseph.

They were also visited by shepherds who had been tending their flocks. God sent a host of angels to announce the birth of Jesus, and the shepherds came to share what they had seen and heard. They worshiped together and spread the news of the Savior King.

Shortly after Jesus’ birth, the cruel ruler Herod ordered the killing of all Jewish male children under the age of two in the region of Bethlehem. God warned Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt, and flee they did—now equipped with the resources provided through the gifts of the wise men.

What struggle are you facing today? Are you still waiting for God’s resolution? Will you trust Him even now?

These are difficult questions, but they help us understand our place in God’s greater plan. We are called to trust that He works for the good of those who love Him and obey His commands. And in the midst of challenge and struggle, we are invited to draw even closer to Him—if we will trust Him.

This Christmas, let us reflect on the struggles Joseph and Mary faced, recognizing that many of us carry our own burdens. Let us also consider how they remained faithful in the midst of uncertainty, trusting God with what they could not see.

Will you trust God with your unknowns, along with me?

Lord, thank You for reminding us that You did not design this world to be easy or comfortable. You allow challenge and struggle so that we may learn to draw closer to You and trust You more deeply. Teach us to be humble, to work hard, and to never lose hope. Our confidence is in You. Even when everything around us feels as though it is falling apart, You are faithful. You are our solid rock.