WEEK 2 - DAY 7
PEACE ON THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM
VERSE
LUKE 2:1-5
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And
everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of
David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
PSALM 23:2-4
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest
valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And
everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of
David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
PSALM 23:2-4
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest
valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
DEVOTIONAL
The journey to Bethlehem was long, tiring, and uncertain - yet peace traveled with them. Not because the road was easy, but because God was in every step. Sometimes we imagine peace as a
soft blanket, a quiet room, a perfect moment. But true peace often comes in motion - while you’re walking, while you’re figuring things out, while things feel messy or overwhelming. Bethlehem shows us this: Peace doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. Peace walks with you on the hardest roads.
Mary and Joseph didn’t know how everything would unfold, but they knew the One who guided them. That was enough. Wherever your road leads right now - tired places, anxious places, unfamiliar places - God’s peace can meet you there. Not after the journey. During it.
soft blanket, a quiet room, a perfect moment. But true peace often comes in motion - while you’re walking, while you’re figuring things out, while things feel messy or overwhelming. Bethlehem shows us this: Peace doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. Peace walks with you on the hardest roads.
Mary and Joseph didn’t know how everything would unfold, but they knew the One who guided them. That was enough. Wherever your road leads right now - tired places, anxious places, unfamiliar places - God’s peace can meet you there. Not after the journey. During it.
REFLECT
What “road” are you currently walking that feels uncomfortable? Where do you need God’s peace along the way?
PRAYER
Lord, walk with me through every step. Let Your peace steady me on the road I’m on. Amen.
PRACTICE
Take a short walk - outside or around your home. With each step, pray, “You’re with me.” Let Bethlehem remind you that peace walks beside you on every road.