Click on the picture or copy and paste
the link into your
browser
or search YouTube for:
When Love was born - sung by Mark Schultz
“Now it came about in those
days that 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 all were proceeding to register for the
census, everyone to his own city.
“And 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. And it came about that while they were there,
the days were completed for her to give birth.” Luke 2:1-6
Joseph and Mary would have been
relieved at the excuse to travel away from their own village. As her pregnancy grew, so would have the disdain
and isolation for the couple, shamed for being unwed and pregnant during the
betrothal – a lonely time for them both.
Their parents would also have been feeling the negative pressure for their
sinful children.
Nevertheless, Joseph loved Mary
and was deeply aware of the significance of the Child she carried. He would have carefully plotted a safe and
reasonably comfortable route. He would
have secured a donkey to ride on (she was in the late stage of pregnancy) and
that they travelled with others for additional support and protection.
The country of Israel is
amazingly hilly and rocky and although the shortest route to Bethlehem would
have been to travel straight south through Samaria, there are too many
difficult hills and Samaritans were rather unfriendly to Jews in those days.
The best route would have taken
them southeast through the Jezreel Valley and then further east to the Jordan
Valley. They would have turned south to
Jericho and probably proceeded up through the Judean Desert to Jerusalem and
onward into Bethlehem.
They would have camped along the
way for the more than 90 miles, taking from seven to ten days. There were no places to stop along the way,
so had to carry enough food and water for the trip.
Can you imagine how Joseph
felt? Or how tired Mary must have been? I wonder who those who travelled with them
were. I wonder if they took any notice
of this non-descript couple.
They would never know the role
they played in this world-changing journey.
How like our God to work unseen miracles with everyday individuals!
Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, who still
prays for you each morning. Darlene
Here is my present to
you, dear friend
and those who know or seek
for Christ:
Click on
the picture or copy and paste
This link
into your browser
or search
YouTube for
‘The
Chosen Special Christmas Episode’
PS: Please pray for this ministry. My statement of faith is found here: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by
doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”
(Also, there is an android “Google Blogger” app you can download to read
them on your phone.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS and UPDATES
- · UPDATE – Fires in Australia easing- Weather has changed and there is a 50 percent chance of rain later this week. Pray for the firefighters, those caring for those seeking shelter, for those suffering from and in the path of the fires, for those who have lost everything, the animals and the tragedy that accompanies this. Please pray for God’s mercy on this dry and sunburnt, burning land and that His people will rise up and show their extraordinary love and compassion at this time!
- · URGENT -USA - Pray the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion. Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone. Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
- · Chris H – recently lost his sister (the last of his family) and will be facing his first Christmas without her. Please hold him up with prayers as he walks through this time of change and pain.
- · Savannah – fifteen-year-old granddaughter of Cliff and Beth, is suffering from a psychological disorder that is difficult to treat and could lead to very serious consequences. She NEEDS all the prayers that can be said on her behalf.
- · Christine’s husband – broke his arm and wrist and is home recovering. Pray during this time that the Lord will speak to him through his loving wife and that they will have a Christ-centred relationship and family.
- · Doris (My Second Mom) – has had a wonderful 101 birthday - she is growing frail and sleeping more and deeply now. Pray for Patti, her daughter, as she remains so faithful in sacrificing time to demonstrate God’s love to her precious mother. Pray for Freddy, Doris’ son that he will be there with her more. Doris (and her husband, Owen, now waiting for Doris in Heaven) both prayed faithfully to bring me to the foot of the Cross from age 12.
- · SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate. Pray for his willingness to grow through this dark time and for wisdom of his counsellors. Pray for his ability to rest and forgive himself.
- · Lachlan –Has completed his seminary studies and now urgently needs to find housing for himself and his three children.
- · Paul –Pray for his ongoing resilience and that the Lord would allow him to find a role. He’s been unemployed since 2010. Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts. Pray for my wisdom and patience as he stays here.
- · Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John -- a Proverbs 31 woman, who needs strength, energy and the ability to prioritise with grace and resolve and grows in confidence so she understands that ‘no’ is a perfectly acceptable response. Pray she enjoy precious time with John and that her heart is strong for her Mom.
- · Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken, and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
- · Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role to satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
- · Me – Please pray for the Lord to provide a new project for me.
No comments:
Post a Comment