“In those days, a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manager, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
 Luke 2:1-7

When I reread the story of Mary’s journey, I continue to be in awe of her faith and obedience when presented with the unexpected. Mary was heavy with child, yet just a child herself, embracing this amazingly large and important responsibility. She was handpicked to serve as the earthly mother of our future King and Savior, required to travel to a home that was not hers. She must have exhibited bravery, faith, and trust with each step she took. Reaching the end of her journey, she discovered the only place for her to bring her child into this world was in a place intended for animals. How beautiful and encouraging it is to learn from Mary that we are chosen for our faith and our goodness and because we are His.

How fortunate we are to live in a time of convenience – a time of hospitals and cars and an online census that can be submitted with the click of a button. This Christmas season, let us be reminded of Mary, a young girl who chose to obey and to celebrate the joy of new life with what was available, not what was convenient. Let her journey remind us to embrace the simple and often unexpected gifts that have been placed before us.

Sheri Kendall