QT 4 Dec 2015, Luke 2:1-5, The feeling of aloneness even when in the middle of God's will

Luke 2:1-7 (ESV) In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

NOTE: Later on, when Jesus is 12 years old, he will be lost among family members as they travel to Jerusalem for a feast celebration. But here, Mary and Joseph are alone, there are no family members, although both families should be traveling for the census. Why? Well, it seems obvious--no one in their families believe them, except Elizabeth, Mary's cousin. Until Joseph's dream, Joseph didn't believe Mary. Joseph's name is attached to all the rumors as well. Sometimes, being right in the middle of the will of God is an uncomfortable place. Things don't go as we would like. People don't look up to us or think good things of us. Life is painful and difficult. Sometimes. And sometimes, being in the middle of the will of God is comfortable as well. But we can't expect comfort or serve God with the idea of being comfortable. It is a false expectation. Mary and Joseph's aloneness is described even more vividly in Matthew, when they can't find an inn. As a husband, it would have been very painful to not be able to protect your wife, your pregnant wife, who is about to have a baby. Left alone by your family, and seemingly left alone by God, since there is no provision of a soft bed and a dry roof. Of course, God does provide, a stable, and while few would consider that a good provision, it serves as a beautiful metaphor of God humbling himself to save an ungrateful, inconsiderate, and uncompassionate people. Thank you Lord. Help me during my times of aloneness to continue in trust.