Luke 2:4 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.
Today’s scripture is a case study in wrong timing. Everything was wrong here–Mary was 9 months pregnant, and they had to go to Bethlehem for a census?!? While they were gone, she went into labor?!? She had the baby in a stable?!? (Of course, we know now that this wasn’t quite what we always thought, but still. The newborn Savior is going in an animal food trough?!?)
Luke 2:5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
And yet, the Savior of the world was born. Exactly when and where He needed to be. And it was ok. Better than ok, it was miraculous, wrong timing, wrong location, this-is-not-the-way-it-is-supposed-to-be, and all. I can learn a lot from this story.
Luke 2:6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
Precious Savior, You know I love a good plan. You know I have so many things laid out in my mind–time, place, exactly as it should be. Yet you also know that life does not always go according to plan. But You are always with me. Help me to hold on to my plans with open hands, so that I can adapt when the timing is wrong. Help me to hold on to You with everything that I am. Amen.
Luke 2:7 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.
Have a blessed day.