2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

Do you travel for Christmas? Many make long trips to be with family and friends during the Christmas holiday. When our children were small we would travel to Kentucky from our home in South Mississippi. I remember the build up to the trip as I would make sure we had clothes, presents, snacks, and things to entertain the children. It would take days to gather then several hours to pack everything in the car in just the right way to get it all in. I can’t imagine how it was for Mary as she and Joseph prepared and packed for their journey from Galilee to Bethlehem. Did she struggle because all they had was a small donkey to carry all of their earthly goods and her as well? Did she grow weary because she was great with child? I wonder if Joseph was anxious and worried for his new bride. Such a long journey for one so fragile. No matter what their thoughts, they knew they had to go. The walk/ride would have been long and rough. Yet God took care of them.
As you prepare for your journey this Christmas season whether short of long choose to be grateful. Remember how difficult it could be with much less storage space than you have. Be thankful for the car you travel in instead of a donkey’s back. Be thankful for your health and the health of those you will be traveling with. Look for God’s creation all around you and glorify Him. Search for Christmas lights and remind your family of Christ, The Light of the World. You may even want to sing a few Christmas Songs. I know it made our trips to see our family much happier in years gone by. Rejoice in the Lord and thank Him for all of your blessings!