1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
As you settle into prayer remember that you are here with your Loving God, who at this moment looks on you with love and favor. Ask for the grace to see with awe and wonder the mystery of the incarnation.
Let’s consider the courage of Mary and Joseph. The Roman Empire was ruling over their lives through fear and taxation. Knowing there was one more head to tax coming soon, Mary had no choice but to endanger herself and baby on a very long and dangerous journey. But Rome says go, so they do, spending money they don’t have to be counted and taxed. Imagine Mary and Joseph traveling on unknown, dusty, maybe crowded roads each day with both courage and fear. Fear of what could happen on the road, how they will manage the financial burdens and if they will go to bed hungry. And yet, they have courage to trust in the angels' messages, in their God, in the hospitality of others and in each other. Just as God watched over them, our Father God sees us just as we are, loves us and is coming close.
Do you have courage like Mary and Joseph? I pray that as we wait for Jesus’ coming this season, God will soften our hearts and give us holy courage to join God in God’s work for the salvation of the world.
Holy One,
Give us courage to join you in the work of the salvation of the world.
Soften our hearts to see and hear You and those around us.
Help us to work for justice and peace.
Amen.
