She wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. -Luke 2:7
In today's suggested scripture reading, Caesar Augustus issues a decree that a census be taken. Joseph and his very pregnant wife Mary make their way back to Bethlehem to be counted. There are so many people in Bethlehem that Mary and Joseph end up spending the night in a stable. This is where Jesus is born.
If you recall yesterday's reading of Luke 1, you'll remember that Gabriel informs Mary that she has found favor with God and will give birth to a great child, the Son of the Most High. Mary submits to God's plan obediently.
Obviously, Mary's willingness to submit to God's plan doesn't guarantee her comfort. I'm guessing that she never imagined giving birth in barn when she learned that she would give birth to God's Son. Yet there is no evidence that Mary complains. I, on the other hand, often complain when I'm following God's will for my life and things get too uncomfortable.
Being faithful to God doesn't necessarily result in comfort. In fact, being obedient to God often results in our being uncomfortable. May God grant you the grace to be faithful today...even if it makes you uncomfortable.
Tomorrow's readings: Daniel 5-6, Psalm 130, and Luke 3.
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