Daily Devotion, August 8, 2020

Devotion: Read Luke 2:1-19.

  It seems a little strange to read this in August. Usually, we only hear it in December. As Mary nears the time when she will give birth, she has to make the trip with Joseph to Bethlehem for the census. One can only imagine how difficult that trip must have been. I wonder if the thought ever crossed her mind “If this really is the Son of God I am carrying inside of me, you would think I would not be having to make a trip like this.” Maybe you have had some “What have I done to deserve this?” kind of questions and thoughts cross your mind as well.

  Maybe you and I would also be thinking “Surely God has made some special arrangements for us in Bethlehem. I’m sure the best hotel room in town will be saved for us.” Did it cause her to question what the angel had told her when she saw where she would be birthing this baby? Did she cry at not being able to provide a better setting for him to enter this world?

  On the other hand, how amazed she must have been when those shepherds came in and told her what they had seen and what they had been told about her boy. “She treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” It had only been nine months since she was first told about what was going to happen to her and it’s already been an amazing journey. But it was just getting started.  Personal Worship Option:

What parts of Mary’s story most connect with you? Do any of the questions raised here resonate with you? Offer them to God.