Day 4: “He [Joseph] went there [Bethlehem] to register with Mary.”

BLOG SERIES: The Birth of Jesus—Obedience leads to Blessings

When Joseph and Mary went, they didn’t just hop in the car and drive 70 mph on the interstate to their destination some 80 miles away. Mary didn’t have the luxury of reclining in the passenger seat and enjoying a smooth, air-conditioned ride in the late stages of her pregnancy.

The journey most likely took them 4-7 days. 4-7 long days of Joseph walking and pulling the lead of a donkey. 4-7 long days of Mary awkwardly sitting atop an animal with her protruding, very pregnant belly. I imagine the journey was arduous—through dry, rocky terrain. I imagine Joseph and Mary were at the mercy of the elements—the wind, the sun, and maybe even rain.

But regardless of the enormous feat, regardless of the utter discomfort, regardless of the possible dangers—Joseph went there to register with Mary. Joseph was obedient to the call and faithful to complete the prophecies, despite what it might have potentially cost him in the process. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2 Joseph trusted that he was a vessel, being used as part of a greater plan.

In the coming 10 days, we will see how the obedience and sacrifice of this chosen couple, paired with the obedience of others, blessed the generations to follow.