Bible Study Devotional – Day 111 – Commentary Luke 2:1-5 – Can God be born in me?

In those days, Caesar Augustus made a law. It required that a list be made of everyone in the whole Roman World. It was the first time a list was made of the people while Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to their own town to be listed. So Joseph went also. He went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea. That is where Bethlehem, the town of David, was. Joseph went there because he belonged to the family line of David. He went there with Mary to be listed. Mary was engaged to him. She was expecting a baby. (Luke 2:1-6)

Living nativities and children’s Christmas plays commence with a herald reading a scroll announcing the Roman census. Everyone from the lineage of David was required to travel to Bethlehem, so a very pregnant Mary and Joseph trudge with others through animal-lined streets on their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This was the same journey Mary made when she visited Elizabeth. To travel around the mountains and desert, this trip is 97 miles. On foot, the journey takes 1-2 weeks. Micah told the prophecy: “But you, Bethlehem…out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel…when she who is in labor bears a son.” So God knew the mother of His child would make this excursion.

Not many women in their ninth month of pregnancy could walk 97 miles. Certainly not every miracle requires one to be athletic. Some of us have health issues beyond our control, but we should pray for good health, eat nutritious food, drink lots of water, and exercise so we can do our best work for God. Mary was chosen to hold Jesus because she was prepared, faithful, humble and strong. But you are chosen, too. If you hear God’s word and do it, you are also his mother or brother. (Luke 8:21) Pray, Be Born in Me.  Join Francesca Battistelli as she sings, “I’ll hold you in the beginning, you will hold me in the end. Every moment in the middle make my heart your Bethlehem. Be born in me.”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOPHkvbdOpw

Bible Study Devotional – Day 111 – Commentary Luke 2:1-5 – Can God be born in me?

4 thoughts on “Bible Study Devotional – Day 111 – Commentary Luke 2:1-5 – Can God be born in me?

  1. I love reading your writing and absorbing your knowledge of the Bible. I love reading Luke at this time of year. It keeps me focused on why we celebrate Christmas while I am baking and wrapping. I had no idea that Nazareth and Bethlehem were 97 miles apart. I knew it was a journey for Mary and Joseph but I didn’t realize how long it was. Poor Mary! That is a huge undertaking at 9 months of pregnancy, even riding on a donkey. She must have been so uncomfortable. Yes, God can be born in me. Every time I follow his word or pray, He is born in me.

    Thanks for the reminder on Zechariah and why he lost his voice.

    1. Sis, you’re so sweet! Thanks for the encouragement. By the way nowhere does it say Mary rode on a donkey to Bethlehem. Do you remember riding down the Grand Canyon on a donkey? I think it would have been more comfortable for Mary to walk. We like to think of Mary being comfortable on her journey, but bumping around on a donkey would in no way painless. I love to think about Jesus being born in all of us. Thanks!

  2. That is interesting that nowhere in the Bible mentions that she is riding a donkey. I have seen so many pictures and paintings depicting Mary on a donkey. Yes, I do remember my trip down the Grand Canyon on a donkey it was terrifying and not real comfortable!

    1. I have seen those pictures too! We don’t like to think that Mary walked that great of a distance so we put her on a donkey — and as you said, that’s not real comfortable either!

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