Do you remember that in the Old Testament there was a powerful king named David? Joseph was one of David’s descendants–he was from Bethlehem, the city of David. Long ago God had said that Jesus would come into the family of King David and would be born in Bethlehem. This is how God fulfilled that promise: Around the time that Jesus was going to be born, the ruler of all the land commanded that everyone go to their home city to be counted. So Joseph and Mary had to make a journey to Bethlehem. It was a long journey, about 70 or 80 miles. It would have taken them a long time, maybe a week. Joseph and Mary might have walked the whole way. Or they might have had a donkey to help them. Maybe Mary even rode on the donkey when she was tired. Because God always keeps his promises, Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem just before Jesus was born.
Dear God, We praise you because you always keep your word. We can see how you are in control of all events, big and small. Amen.
Bible Readings: 2 Samuel 7:8-16; Micah 5:1-5
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