Mary is very close to the delivery of her Promised Child. Of all times for Caesar to declare a census and taxation, this is NOT the time! But you are of the house of David – and that means you must travel to Bethlehem. With some regret – you put your very pregnant wife on the back of a donkey and begin the 2-day journey. You’ve prepared, you’ve done your best to make her comfortable – but really… you know this is not good.
Finally you have finished that grueling trip, and Mary seems OK. But now it seems like you were late arriving, and the Inns in Bethlehem are full. Could anything else go wrong?? Your animal is already comfortable here in the stable, and so you make a little place over in an unoccupied corner for Mary…
Nothing was easy about that first Christmas – but out of the struggle was born the Savior of the world. As we approach the Christmas of 2020 – I find myself in Joseph’s shoes.
SCANDAL: The rumors have been flying this year, and the scorn of “friends” has been palpable. But I believe the prophets, and I’m willing to stake everything on the notion that God is going to show up and bring salvation.
CENSUS: I’m not of the house of David, but I am of the house of the founding fathers. I know that this is a Christian nation, with a constitution founded on Biblical principles. And so I stay in my lane, exercise my legal right, and vote. The tyrant is more than happy to allow me to cast my vote, because he has a plan to tax…
THE INN: As a conservative, I travel to my base, only to find that there doesn’t seem to be any room. Even the GOP establishment knew about this taxation, and have rushed to ensure their own comfort. I find myself looking around for a safe place to hold my promise…
THE STABLE: I guess the only place to go is to the place where I can find grass (roots) and beasts of burden. I’m finding a place to settle, right here with those that have no aspirations above the inalienable rights bestowed by our Creator…
Those who are comfortably resting in the Inn know not the glory that is happening in the stable this Christmas. Tonight, more wealth will flow into the stable than sits upon the bed stands of the Inn. Tonight, heaven and earth will join us in this place of discomfort, as the Promise is born – again.
For many around the world, this is not going to be an easy Christmas. Our liberties are being contested, and our will is being taxed. It seems like everything that can go wrong has/is. But I truly believe that the Promise that was born on that lonely night 2000 years ago is being reborn in this Christmas.
The greatest moments are never easy, Joseph. But hold on to that Promise!