An Inconvenient Journey

     Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar
     Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited
     earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius
     was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his
     way to register for the census, each to his own city.
     Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of
     Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called
     Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family
     of David, in order to register along with Mary, who
     was engaged to him, and was with child. While they
     were there, the days were completed for her to give
     birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she
     wrapped him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger,
     because there was no room for them in the inn.
                                                  (Luke 22:1-7 NASB)

When historians look back on our present-day culture and study our behavior and customs, what will they conclude about us? One of the things they likely will notice is that we are a people devoted to convenience. We are constantly coming up with new and improved ways to get the job done faster and more efficiently than before. Technology has exploded this world of convenience, allowing us to do in seconds what once took hours to complete. It’s no wonder that most of us hate to be inconvenienced, becoming frustrated when the unexpected disrpupts our plans.

As Mary and Joseph waited for Jesus’ arrival, they learned that they would have to pack up and make an arduous journey back to Joseph’s hometown. How do you think they must have felt? We think waiting in line at the airport is torture; just imagine traveling approximately  eighty miles on foot or the back of an animal while pregnant! Perhaps Mary and Joseph were prepared for the trip and braced themselves for the journey. Or maybe it was a surprise summons and they were shocked at the impossible timing of it all. But in the midst of the unlikely and the inconvenient, God had a plan.

Long ago the prophet had said,

          But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
          who are one of the little clans of Judah,
     from you shall come forth for me
          one who is to rule in Israel,
     whose origin is from of old,
          from ancient days.
                               (Micah 5:2 NRSV)

Mary and Joseph were forced to travel to Bethlehem at a very inconvenient time for them. It surely must have been a difficult and tiresome trip. And when they arrived, things did not get much better. There was nowhere for them to rest their heads, no proper bed in which to place their newborn baby. The circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth were unlikely and unexpected–and inconvenient for this parents. But it was part of God’s plan–a plan to come and rescue us all.

When we are faced with inconvenient circumstances or unexpected disruptions in our plans, we can become frustrated and angry. But in those times, we can know that god is present and working. Romans 8:28 tells us, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (NRSV).

Could it be that God wants to use even the inconvenient, unlikely, and uncomfortable places in our lives to draw us closer to God and God’s purposes? Will we allow the unlikely crib of a manger to awaken us to the wonder of Christmas?

Prayer Focus
What is your typical reaction to distractions or inconveniences in your life? Ask God to help you to turn to God in those moments for guidance and assurance.


From Rob Renfroe and Ed Robb, The Wonder of Christmas: Devotions for the Season