Daily Inspiration

Today, I gave some thought to Mary and Joseph’s trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It would have been about a 70-mile journey, and most likely it would have taken four or five days, perhaps more if riding a stubborn donkey. I thought that today, they would be a day or so into their trip, and just a few days away from the birth of our Savior.

I gave thought to the fear that may have gripped them, traveling so far at the end of Mary’s pregnancy. Going to a place that was unfamiliar, and would pose incredible challenges, I wondered if they traveled in a state of peace or of worry.

The Lord has shown me great things, and yet I still have worry in my heart, but did Mary and Joseph? That is what I contemplated today as I finished my last-minute shopping.

“But the Angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard,” (Luke 1:13)

“And the Angel said to her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace with God.” (Luke 1:30)

“An Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to accept Mary as your wife.” (Matthew 2:20)

To the shepherds in the field, “And the Angel said to them: “Do not be afraid. For, behold, I proclaim to you a great joy.” (Luke 2:10)

God knows that we are weak, prone to worry and fear, but we must understand that He has placed saints and Angels in our midst, to remind and reassure us to trust in Him. He gave us His Son who destroyed death and gave us eternal life, what then is there to fear? Mary and Joseph faced great peril, but whether afraid or not, they submitted to the will of God.

My friends, the destination grows near; fear not, it is just a little further!

Ed