family and travel

"And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home.  He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.  He took with him Mary, his fiancee, who was now obviously pregnant."  (Luke 2:4-5 NLT)

Now, during Advent, we have been looking at the "Christmas" story as we prepare to celebrate Jesus' birthday.  It is an interesting time of crazy schedules, finishing projects, cooking (for some of us) and travel.  It can also be a time of memories as we think back to "other" Christmas gatherings.  We can remember the Christmas pageant when our kids were various members of the "cast" from Shepherds to Joseph or Mary.  

We can also be thinking about how far Mary and Joseph had to travel to get to Bethlehem (v. 4) and the difficulty Mary would have had being "obviously pregnant." (v. 5)  We can think about the difficulties we are having with the crazy schedule, travel - and difficulties with weather and travel, and the issues of being with family - some good, some not so good.  But we can also be celebrating, while we are preparing, because of the already Emmanuel (God IS with us), and the not yet (Jesus IS coming again}.

So...... where are you in your preparations?  Are you "ready" to celebrate with family?   Are you traveling?  How is the weather?  All things to be thinking about......