Many roads lead to Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph journeyed from Nazareth along roads crowed by people from many villages at the command of Caesar were to be enrolled. The wise men crossed the desert wastelands. The shepherds sought new wonders along the familiar home-town byways. But the first road to Bethlehem is unlike all other roads. It is the highway of preparation, spanning time and circumstance. It is the high road of the Spirit.
Christmas did not just happen. For centuries men had anticipated Christmas in their hearts, looking forward to the hour of destiny when God would reveal himself in a more wondrous way than ever before.
The road of faith is an ancient road – and at times a dangerous and narrow one. It was not always crowded nor were there always travelers upon it, yet along it moved men of adventurous spirit and women of the pilgrim heart. They knew it was God’s highway although they didn’t know their destination, they knew that their traveling was in the Presence of the Eternal. So they walked hopefully, expectantly remembering the psalmist, “thou dost show me the path of life…” (Psalm 16:11)
Long before Christmas, God prepared His people. The words of the prophets radiate a faith in the coming of the Prince of Peace! The lives of men were changed, generation after generation as men of faith journeyed toward the day of Hope. The way of the Lord was built with human sighs and aspirations and the end of the road was a manger. From that manger led all the roads of our lives.
If we follow the route God has mapped for our lives we too will find a glory at our road’s end. There may be detours, hazards and delays, but the highway of the Lord leads to the heights of vision and promise.
God guided many faithful persons to Bethlehem. He still leads all who will follow His guidance.
Lord of the far horizons,This devotion was taken from “Christmas in our Hearts” by Charles L. Allen and Charles L. Wallis. This book was one of Jim Ray’s.
Give us the eyes to see
Over the verge of sundown
The beauty that is to be
Give us the skill to fashion
The task of thy command,
Eager to follow the pattern
We may not understand
-- from “Lord of the Far Horizons” by Bliss Carman
Melanie Herr
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