In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.  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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ~Luke 2:1-5

I'm not sure how the days got so short and the nights got so long. 

Winter has crept in quickly with darkness and cold. 

Time's passing catches me by surprise and I wish it would slow.


I wonder if the young couple on their way to Bethlehem felt the same

As they traveled to Joseph's ancestral home to meet a deadline

While expecting their first child to come any day.

Wanting time to slow down

Hoping to be more prepared 

For the unknowns of the future.


Wanting
Hoping
Unknown

Lord,

We long to feel a sense of peace amidst the many unknowns in our lives and in our world. As December 25th approaches, our culture tells us to feel a certain way. We are told to put on the Christmas spirit and wear it around town filled with joy. For many of us, that's a tall order. God, help us to deeply know your LOVE and your PEACE as we enter the Christmas season. May we KNOW peace as we rest in the TRUTH of your steadfast love for us. Help us to focus on what we know to be true. Help us to trust all of the unknowns to YOU.

Amen