Scripture:
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. … 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.” – Luke 2:1–5
Devotional:
Imagine the scene: Mary, heavy with child, sways gently on the back of a donkey, the rough road pressing into her tired body. Joseph walks beside her, guiding them along hills and valleys, dust rising from each weary step. Seventy miles lay between Nazareth and Bethlehem, and every mile must have felt endless. To human eyes, this journey looked like bad timing, even cruel. Why would God allow the mother of Jesus to endure such hardship on the eve of her child’s birth?
But what looked inconvenient was actually the unfolding of prophecy. Centuries earlier, Micah declared that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem. The emperor’s decree may have appeared to come from political power, but in reality, every weary step of Mary and Joseph was ordered by the hand of God. What felt exhausting was actually carrying them deeper into God’s plan.
This is the beauty of Advent: even when the road is long, God’s promises are sure. Mary’s tears, Joseph’s calloused feet, and their faithful obedience were not wasted. They were walking straight into the miracle of salvation’s story.
And so it is with us. The journeys we would never choose — the detours, the disappointments, the delays — can become the very roads where God fulfills His promises. He does not waste our steps. When life feels heavy and uncertain, remember Bethlehem: the hardest road often leads to the deepest joy.
Application:
What journey are you on right now that feels heavy or uncertain?
How might God be fulfilling His promises through it, even when you cannot see it?
Prayer:
“Lord, when my road feels long and my strength is gone, remind me that every step is held by You. Give me courage to trust Your plan and faith to believe that You are leading me to Your promises. Amen.”
Family Advent Activities
1. Journey Jar (Quiet Craft)
Decorate a jar with the word “Faith.” Each night, add slips of paper with moments your family has seen God provide or guide. Watch it fill as a reminder that God is faithful in every step of the journey.
Tie-in: “Mary and Joseph’s steps were hard, but God was guiding them. God guides our family, too.”
2. Bethlehem Path (Active Play)
Make a path across a room with pillows, chairs, or blankets. Let kids carry something light but a little heavy (like a bag of books or toys) as they walk the path to a manger or nativity.
Tie-in: “The road was hard for Mary and Joseph, but God’s promise was waiting at the end.”
Recipe Options:
1. Journey Trail Mix
Combine raisins, pretzels, nuts, and chocolate pieces into small snack bags. Share them as “travel food,” and talk about how God gives strength for every step of our journey.
2. Simple Flatbread Wraps
Make or buy flatbread/tortillas and fill them with easy toppings. Remember that Mary and Joseph likely ate simple bread as they traveled.
