7 Lessons We Can Learn from Mary and Joseph’s Journey to Bethlehem

1. Believing What God Tells Us

I can't imagine what it was like for Mary when an angel appeared and told her that she had been chosen to carry the son of God. In our modern times, this would be mind-boggling. I'm sure she was excited and scared. She trusted what God told her.

I'm sure she was also nervous to tell Joseph about the angel's visit, and he was just as surprised at the news. Mary's faithfulness teaches us to believe what God tells us. He speaks to us in all different ways: through the Scriptures, dreams and visions, and sometimes through other people. We need to heed and believe what God is telling us, no matter the circumstances.

2. Trust in God's Plan

Because Mary and Joseph loved God, they trusted in his plan. One thing I find interesting is because of Mary's faithfulness to God, he showed her favor. She wasn't famous or wealthy, but God still chose her to do something amazing. Even though she received the most life-changing news, she didn't question it. She trusted in God and humility and submitted to his plan for her life.

This shows us that God uses even the least of us to do great things, meaning regular people, to further his kingdom. When the Lord is tugging on your heart to do something this Christmas season, do it and trust in his plan for your life. The seeds you sow today will bring a great harvest in God's timing. Keep your heart open so you can know what God may call you to do.

3. Follow God's Plan, Not Our Own

When Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant, he was going to divorce her so as not to bring shame to her name. However, God had unique plans for him and came to him in a dream to tell him what he needed to do. By keeping his heart open, Joseph knew this dream was from the Lord and was certain of what God told him. He could change the plans he had made to stay in line with God's will.

We need to do the same, even though it's hard. Getting caught up in our goals and plans is easy without asking God first what his will is. Knowing Joseph could change his plans and still stay in line with the will of the Lord is inspiring. We need to keep our hearts open to hear the wisdom of God and see where he is leading us. The path we have ourselves on may differ from where he wants us to be, and if that is the case, we need to follow him. He knows what's best for us and won't let us down. His plans are way better than any plans we can make for ourselves.

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/gldcreations

4. Have Perseverance

Even though the road to Bethlehem was long and tiring, and when they arrived, no rooms were available at the inn, they persevered. They kept going until they found shelter in the stable for Jesus to be born.

We need to persevere in our own circumstances as well. Regardless of whether things are going well or bad, we need to trust God's plan for our lives and keep going. This can be difficult when it feels like life keeps throwing things at us, but we remember the Lord will never leave or forsake us.

5. Cling to Our Faith When Circumstances Are Hard

Just like Mary and Joseph had less-than-ideal circumstances in their lives and clung to their faith, so should we. When circumstances are difficult, this is when we need to lean into God the hardest. Keep praying, reading our Bibles, and seeking his will for our lives and the situation at hand. By keeping an open heart and mind, asking for his wisdom, and discerning his voice, he will help us.

6. Praise God in Uncertainty

Just like Mary and Joseph, we live in great times of uncertainty. It seems like things are happening all the time in our broken world. Crime, wild weather, financial issues, job layoffs and losses, political unrest, etc. It is very easy to be overcome with fear and anxiety over these things.

However, we need to choose faith over fear and let the things that worry us go. This is hard to do because it is human nature to worry and ponder things. Instead, we need to thank him for our circumstances, even in uncertainty, and give all our worries over to him. Then, praise him for his faithfulness and for using us to further his kingdom.

Photo credit: ©Nativity; used with permission.

7. Trust in God's Provision

Even though they couldn't find a room at first, in trusting God's plan, they also trusted him to provide what they needed: a place for Mary to give birth. He came through in providing the stable where Jesus was born.

Just as Mary and Joseph trusted God's plan and his provision, we need to as well. It's hard to do when you have very limited resources or bills coming in that need to be paid or are waiting to find a new job. Still, we know we are important to the Lord and that he will provide for us.

Luke 12:22-30 (NLT) says: "Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, 'That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body is more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?

'Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon, in all his glory, was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

'And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs."

This reassures us that the Lord will always provide.

There are many lessons from the journey to Bethlehem that apply to today's times. Let's take some time to reflect on the story of our Savior's birth and tuck these lessons deep into our hearts this Christmas season.