Friday, December 23

A VERY TAXING JOURNEY

Luke 2:1-7

Our text is, "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David;) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

God gave the "Greatest Gift of All" to all of mankind—His only Son in a very humble abode! He gave Himself! And so did both Mary and Joseph, and all for the holy purposes of God. They traveled many miles, about 90, which had to be a very taxing time physically. But they did it because they greatly desired God's will, and God's will alone, to be worked out both in and through them. They had simple, and therefore, humble hearts!

When they got to Bethlehem, Mary brought forth Jesus, who was and is the Lord of lords and the King of kings—even forevermore! When God gave His Son for this sinful world, He knew that every step of the way would not be easy. Jesus was born so that He could die—yes, die for you and for me, as the righteous payment for our sin. Joseph and Mary had submitted to God's will as he spoke to their hearts—it was never easy for them, but, out of love, they did it all. The journey that we take in this life is not going to be easy, either. Sometimes, it even looks very taxing, and even impossible, especially if we look at it all through our own eyes and in our own strength instead of His. But when we turn to God, submitting to Him alone, and allowing him to crucify the self-life and the natural man within us, He then takes up residence, living His life through us, and we change completely. It is then that the journey isn't near as taxing, for it is now a joy. We have to keep our eyes off the "taxing" part of the journey, and instead, have them on the glorious destination, which is Jesus Himself.

It was this glorious Lord and Savior that came very humbly to this earth as a baby, giving up all. But as Jesus stepped beyond the stable, so must we. He died and rose again to give Eternal Life to all that will have Him, and surrender their lives to His control. If we allow Jesus to be and live through our lives, then He is the journey! And that is not taxing, because it is His Grace, His Strength, and His All! And if you want Him, know this—He is already there for you! With that in our hearts, what a Blessed Christmas this would be!

~ Nancy Faust