The Ordinary Life

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.” (Luke 2:1-5 NKJ)

The Christmas story has always been and continues to be a wonderful story of God’s love and provision. At every annual Christmas program, we are surprised anew with the story’s ordinary elements of life.

In the ordinary course of life “in those days,” the government implemented a tax and census program. And nothing can trash our expectations like a census and taxes. Yet, God used this ordinary action of government to fulfill the prophecies concerning the Savior’s birthplace.

Although the trip was only seventy miles long, it wound over the mountains and through unfriendly Samaritan country. In addition, there were several rivers to cross, which may or may not have had any bridges.  Today, this trip would ordinarily take a little over an hour to complete. But “in those days,” ordinary travel on a donkey, with an expectant mother close to term, would have been extremely grueling and would have taken much longer.

Then, arriving late in Bethlehem to find all public accommodations filled to capacity would have added to Mary’s discomfort and Joseph’s stress. Perhaps “no vacancy” was an ordinary element of travel in those days, but without doubt, spending the night in a stable was not the ordinary thing for Joseph and Mary. Yet, this sacrifice was required in order to comply with the governmental decree and God’s plan.

In the ordinary course of life, difficulties and sacrifices are normal. Even Christmas is not free of them. But the blessings that result are sometimes beyond belief. We just never know when and where God’s miracle might occur, but it is usually in the most ordinary place among ordinary people.

If you are skeptical about this, consider the best laid plans of mice and men. In most cases, the miracle that transforms people does not occur in their fantastic schemes. Instead, God’s miracle occurs as they simply walk across the ordinary but complex matrix of life.

Dear Father, thank you for our ordinary lives. Empower us with the sensitivity to recognize your handiwork in our everyday existence. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today in your life,