December 17th

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

A census – a financial thing. It was a way to tax the people. But that didn’t make it any easier for young Mary and Joseph, probably slightly older, to travel when her baby was due soon. So young yet so faithful. They made decisions that would change the world forever. A reason to celebrate if there ever was one!

God didn’t choose them because they were mature and skilled parents. He didn’t choose them because they were financially secure or held titles or possessions or even because they held great knowledge. God chose Joseph and Mary because they accepted His will for their lives. God choses us when we are willing to have Him use us to do His will.

God is Good. Trust Him. Allow Him to rule. Above all, love.