Writer’s Name: David Hurnevich
Writer’s Ministry: Parking Lot Traffic Helper
Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10
For as long as I can remember, the season of Christmas has been an opportunity to spend time with family at home. However, I am reminded that Joseph and Mary had to travel many miles away from family and home for the birth of our Savior.
Although Christmas cards and Hallmark movies celebrate this time at home with family, that has rarely been the case with my family. Throughout my life, my parents, siblings and in-laws have all lived in different states if not countries. I can count on one hand the times that we were gathered in one place to celebrate Christmas. My wife Vannakay, travels for a living and has spent the majority of every Christmas throughout our marriage somewhere alone in a hotel room many miles from home.
As Joseph and Mary traveled to Jerusalem by way of Bethlehem, I can’t help but remember, that on the birth of our Savior, they were without family. Many of us throughout this world do not have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in the way depicted on Christmas cards and Hallmark movies. Whether it is due to an employment situation, military deployment or lack of family, many people throughout this world can relate to the young couple traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
Joseph and Mary knew that God would be with them throughout their journey and the nights spent in a stable for the birth of our Savior. For those of us who may not have the opportunity to spend time with our “earthly” family during Christmas, we are comforted and perhaps blessed knowing that throughout this Christmas season we can lean on our “Heavenly” family for comfort and celebration.
Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord, as we are able to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ throughout this Christmas season, please help us to be mindful of those that do not have the opportunity to spend this Christmas season with their earthly family. Please continue to provide comfort and guidance to those that for whatever reason can’t be with family knowing that the God that was with Mary and Joseph that night, is also with us each and every day. Amen
Discussion/Reflection Questions:
1. Have you ever spent a Christmas alone and away from family and home? In what ways did God provide comfort and reassurance during this season?
2. Can you identify family/friends that may feel alone this Christmas, and how might you share the love of Christ with them throughout the season?
3. As the innkeeper provided a “stable” for Joseph and Mary that night, what “stable” might you offer others, that may find themselves without family or home during the season?
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