As Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, they must have often looked across the Jordan into the desert. Their conversation might well have centered on the ancient narratives they received from their families and the Rabbis. Beginning with life in Egypt, with the birth of Moses and his life in the palace, his desert flight, his experience with the burning bush, his confronting Pharaoh, the plagues, Passover, passage through the Red Sea, Mount Sinai, and the giving of the Ten Commandments, there was much to discuss.
While they might have often spoke of their history, they probably talked even more about God's faithfulness to His people. He fed them with manna. He gave them water from the rock. He protected them from their enemies. They were His chosen people through whom He was to bless all people.
Now Joseph and Mary were a part of God's action on behalf of His people. The promised Messiah was about to be born. Little did they know their Son, the Messiah, would spend some extremely difficult time in the wilderness. He would be tempted by the one who tempted Adam and Eve into sin. It would be a desperate spiritual battle.
It would not be His last temptation. But like the rest, He would win them all. And the very good news is He would transfer this victory to us. As sinners, we are often not successful against the evil one. In the deserts of our lives, he too often wins. But the final victory is not his. It is ours because of the Christ's faithfulness. As we make our journey to Bethlehem, we are aware of the temptations. We are even more aware of Christ's forgiveness for us.
THE PRAYER: O Advent Lord, protect us from the evil one in our desert travels, and shower Your love and forgiveness upon us. Amen.
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