We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT 

God knows how to handle our days. He helps us examine our hearts and experience mercy and grace. In tender moments of need, He helps us welcome the Savior and witness why we need the strength of His love.  

Traveling to Bethlehem must have been difficult for Mary and Joseph. But with every step of obedience they kept moving ahead, trusting God to take care of them and bring calm to their weary souls. 

Imagine how it must have felt for them to journey together, not knowing where Jesus would be born. It took FAITH to believe in God's timing and PATIENCE to understand they were chosen to bring forth His Son.   

God has a plan for each one of us. He uses us in mighty ways. Sometimes we become weary of path's unknown and need to be reminded where to remain. We are never without the love of our Father. And we're not alone when our circumstances change.  

We must never let the worry of wonder cause us to lose faith in God, or put hope in other things which will never bless our souls. He will ALWAYS guide, provide and take care of us and those we love. He will help us learn to TRUST in the power of His plan. 

TRUST will be needed when we don't know where to go. We will find PEACE on the path to fullness, if we surrender our fear and continue to fuel our souls with the goodness of God's amazing love.   

He prepared Mary to deliver a king and found a place for our Savior to be born. JESUS brought light to the world. It broke through the darkness and offers us HOPE. God will do great things as we welcome Jesus and move closer to Him. He will provide the way for us to embrace a joy-filled life when we humble our hearts for His and RECEIVE what we need to experience how to travel in truth. 

God will reveal His will when the timing is right. He will remind us who's in control. As we prayerfully seek Him, God will prepare us to walk with Christ, have a relationship with Him and understand what's already been done to help us handle bumps in the road. 

Let this be a season of opportunity to renew our hearts and welcome PEACE that passes all understanding. God is HERE! He is waiting to show us how lucky we are to be cradled in care and held in the heart of His holiness.   

Dear God, thank you for the power of Your love. Forgive us when we forget who guides and provides. Help us remember to TRUST in You EVERY day of our lives. Thank you for Christmas! As we reflect on the travels of Mary and Joseph, humble our hearts to remember you took care of them and You WILL take care of us. Thank you, Lord! Thank you for Jesus! Thank you for helping us remain faithful to You.  Amen