And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. -Luke 2:3

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) -Luke 2:4

God bless, good morning and happy Christmas Eve. A common question asked today is “Are you done with your shopping?”, To which invariably we always have one more gift to buy.  

It is supposed on this day about 2033 years ago, Joseph, a tired Mary and a mule would have been walking across the desert enroute to Bethlehem. 

It would have been cold, perhaps they would have been parched and hungry along with the mental and emotional weight of rejection. 

We know the scripture says there was no room in the inn, but consider Bethlehem was Joseph’s family town and that also Mary being a distant cousin of Joseph,  both should have had family in town. 

So along with no room in the inn, I’d surmised to say there was no room in the hearts of their relatives, after all poor clueless Joseph had married a spoiled woman. And here he was dragging his menagerie home to pay his taxes.  

What a contrast... we walk through miles of malls happily to be taxed for the gifts we are giving whilst 2000 years ago through anguish and not in a comfortable ride, Joseph walked with a very pregnant Mary over desert sands and many more miles to bring into our unappreciative world the consolation of Israel and the savior of us all.  

As a lesson today consider the lonely, rejected, saddened, heart broken, impoverished and tired in your prayers and actions in this season and beyond. 

Your comments and questions are welcome. Contact me at drschaefferinterceding@yahoo.com

You can give to Interceding Christian Center (ICC) using our cash app $intercedingcc 

God bless you and Command your day!!!