Journey to Bethlehem Part 2
Text: Luke 2:1-18
2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 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:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Let us Pray
Introduction: In part 1 of Journey to Bethlehem, we saw the Wise Men, those men who traveled following a Star in the Sky for 2 years so that they could Worship the new King with gifts. They followed a star in the sky, as led by God’s spirit so they could enable Joseph and Mary to flee to Egypt. They traveled far and when they arrived, Jesus, in the house was there. This week we are following Joseph to Bethlehem. Joseph is engaged to be married to Mary and she is pregnant. Joseph could have chosen to divorce her for infidelity, even turned her over to the Sanhedrin, the courts of the time and she could have been stoned to death, but An Angel told him the truth. Mary had not been unfaithful but was given this child by the Holy Spirit of God. Amidst the rumors that must have spread like a wildfire in small village of Nazareth, God intervenes again by causing Caesar to require all men to go to the city of their birth for a census and then for taxes. Joseph takes Mary there and this morning we see:
A Faithful Journey regardless of the world’s opinion of Mary and Joseph
A night in a very special stable made for the Passover lambs
Next week, in Part 3 of Journey to Bethlehem we will see:
Another Journey to the Manger by Shepherds, telling of the Angels announcement! But today we will discover that Men and Women have always had a choice, to believe God, or to go along with the World
It is my prayer that you will join us in person or on 87.9 FM in the Parking Lot this Sunday! Hopefully, several who have been quarantined will be back and we will rejoice and Worship Together! Speaking of Worship, the Worship in Giving this Past Sunday was amazing! over 550 dollars for Lottie Moon Missions offering and an amazing General offering as well! God has so richly blessed us during this time and again, it is my Joy to be your Pastor!
M. E. Rosson
