Mary and Joseph had endured the rumors, the well talk (kind of like the water cooler talk), and the strained relationships that came along with a virgin birth. People talk. They did then. They do now.
They carried the weight and the wonder of the miracle all at the same time. Most experienced God's miracles in a moment. Mary carried hers for nine months. Joseph watched her grow round and uncomfortable. I cannot imagine the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem nine months pregnant with your first child and no female family members along to support you. We can only imagine it.
They had to make the trip by the Roman government decree.
"At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. -Luke 2:1-5
It was all so complicated. They lived under Roman rule, and King Herod was king of the Jews. Herod was not looking to give us his throne. They put one foot in front of the other and pressed on as directed by God, the angel, and the scriptures they had learned since childhood. They never expected to be main characters in the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
Stressful? Yes, but with pockets full of unexpected joy.
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:6
I love Faith Hill's song, "A Baby Changes Everything." It is powerfully creates a picture of the emotions that come with having a child. The fears, the tears, and the unexpected joys are all a part of the story.
Unprepared for what's to come
A baby changes everything
Not a ring on her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
The man she loves she's never touched
How will she keep his trust?
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
And she cries!
Ooh, she cries
Ooh, oh
She has to leave, go far away
Heaven knows she can't stay
A baby changes everything
She can feel He's coming soon
There's no place, there's no room
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
And she cries!
And she cries!
Oh, she cries
(Shepherds all) shepherds all (gather 'round) gather 'round
(Up above the star shines down) star shines down
(A baby changes everything)
Choir of angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
Everything, everything, everything
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
My whole life has turned around
I was lost but now I'm found
A baby changes everything, yeah
A baby changes everything
Yes, a baby did change everything.
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