Finding Your Joy Along the Journey

We often believe joy comes at the end?

Luke tells us that when the decree went out from Caesar Augustus, "Joseph went up from Nazareth to Bethlehem..." (Luke 2:4). It wasn't a convenient or comfortable trip. Not with Mary being 9 months pregnant. That 80-mile journey would've likely taken 4-5 days with stops. On foot. All along the way the questions swirled in Joseph's heart. What's going happen? What will happen to us? The baby... what will he be like? 

Joseph had no idea how things would play out. He just knew he had to take the next step of obedience. Somewhere between Nazareth and Bethlehem, in the long miles and uncertain nights, God was at work. 

No angels spoke to Joseph that we know of. No promises given along the path. Just a long hard road, a very pregnant fiancé, and trust that the Lord was still in control.

Isn't this how it works for us too? So often we say to ourselves, "I'll have joy when I get there.... I'll have more joy when the kids are grown. I'll be happier when I don't have to work as much. When I find the person I love and they love me. When I have the right job... or get out of school... or when????"

We want answers now, but God invites us to obedience. We want joy at the destination. Joseph's story reminds us that God often meets us along the broken road. He reminds us that joy doesn't come from having life all figured out but rather from walking faithfully with God today, one step at a time.

This Sunday we'll look at Luke 2:1-7 and rediscover in a fresh way about how we can find JOY in the JOURNEY, even when life feels out of control or unfinished. If you're tired, uncertain or wondering where God is this season, you are not alone. 

Come and worship. Come be encouraged. Come let God meet you on the road you're walking right now! 

Grace and Peace to You!
Pastor Mike 

PS- Plan to join us Christmas eve at either 4:00 or 6:00 pm. Carols and Candle lights and the reminder that Immanuel has Come!

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