God's hand in our prayers (Acts 19:11-20, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, James 5:16)

"He makes His servants flames of fire (Hebrews 1:7)"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

My husband and I had a funny situation at Church last week.  I love to sing to the Lord.  For me it's the best way to worship.  It's like being in His throne room.  

So we found our seats and waited for the service to start.  When the music started I heard this voice behind me... it was hard to describe.  She was completely off key.  I tried to move forward in my seat but didn't want to fall on the floor and draw attention.  Then the still small voice whispered and I realized her song was the most beautiful voice in the room to God.  I sensed His smile.  He loved her song.  While we seek perfection, Our Heavenly Father? He sees our hearts.  All our songs are symphonies to Him with faith.


Don't know about you, but these verses always give me courage.  I can be very foolish at times.

27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
(1 Corinthians 1:27-29 NKJV) 

11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. 
When I first read this I was a bit confused.  But if I read this verse correctly.  It wasn't Paul, it was God who worked the miracles.  Paul was being a servant, allowing God's hand to help.  That's what it's like to be a servant.  Asking for the impossible, hoping for a miracle, and then healing comes.  

16 Therefore,confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:16 NASB77)

I've had some good times in prayer.  At one time, I was on a Christian Forum.  I joined the prayer team.  One day a young man asked me to pray for him so he could pass his finals.  So I prayed that God would relax his mind and bring to mind all he'd learned.  He was so excited when he passed.  He told more kids to ask for prayer for finals.  Being part of miracles is really awesome.  It restores faith.  It wasn't my words that mattered, it was that I was a servant allowing God to do some miracles.

13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 
Hmmm...  Someone's putting the cart before the horse here.  First we have to believe Jesus is Lord, the Son of God.  So I'm not sure this will go well...

14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
Ok, so  evil spirits know Jesus.  Yet the Chief Priests and Pharisees had no clue.    It's sort of like saying, "We exorcise you because of the doohickey or thingamajig.  You know like He said."  That's why Jesus is in our hearts, to serve Him, protect those who are vulnerable.  And pray hard.  God is perfectly able to understand what we're trying to say.  It's best not to be too serious, when we pray and sing. 

16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 
So this really didn't go well at all.  It would be so humiliating to run in the streets naked and wounded.  Somewhere along the line, the chief priest forgot his duties.  And no longer listened to God's still small voice.  

17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

(Acts 19:11-20 NKJV)

The light that shines in darkness (Acts 19, John 15:15-18, Acts 2:1-12)

"With the Holy Spirit, we have the light of life"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I finished a watercolor painting this week of apple blossoms.  I had a photo of them and hadn't looked at it in a while.  So I had to paint it.   I also need to help with the bills.  So I'm hoping it will sell in a gallery.

1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”

So they said, “Into John's baptism.”

4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all.


Paul is describing, "Pentecost."  After Jesus was crucified, He said He would send the Helper to be with us.  Pentecost is the day the disciples received the Holy Spirit in their hearts.  I received the Holy Spirit when I accepted Jesus as my Savior.  The first time I asked the Holy Spirit for words to say, I was speaking in a Church and my mind went blank.  It was very awkward.  So I asked Him for words.  It came out of my mouth beautifully!  He also helps me out when me and my husband have a disagreement.  I usually step back and ask for the words.

Jesus said, 

“15 If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you."
(John 14:15-18 NKJV)

Jesus promised we would have a helper, "His Holy Spirit."   You can just imagine how exciting it must've been when tongues of fire came from Heaven and rested on the disciples.  This is the way in which the Holy Spirit came to mankind.

1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean
(Acts 2:1-12 NKJV)

The Apostle Paul continued trying to reason with those in the synagogue.  Like Paul, I tend to believe if someone isn't interested I should still be kind to them.  Paul decided it was time to move on so he preached to those in Asia.  

8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
(Acts 19:1-10 NKJV)

This is a beautiful song from Lauren Daigle
Lauren Daigle, "Light of the World (link)"

All things new! He never gives up on us.

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

"God renews our souls like butterflies leaving a cocoon"

Happy New Year!  

It's hard to believe it's 2016 now.  I've been busy figuring out what I want to do this year. I am doing a watercolor painting and have a gallery that's interested in my work.  I thought maybe other people would like to get art supplies from Dick Blick so I posted the link.  It's a great place to get discounted supplies for artists and children's art. I've been buying supplies from them for years and never had any problems.  I recently bought a new easel.  Sometimes my mind goes in reverse so my neighbors got a kick out of watching me put it together.  Finally my husband helped me with the last pieces.  I think there's still a bracket that needs to go somewhere : )  Now I have no excuses for not painting.  As a little girl, I used to trace the sunshines on my pillow, in my crib, dreaming of being able to draw someday.  Our God is the ultimate in creativity.  Our Creator.  He's given us all gifts and talents.  

I wanted to focus this post on the hope we have in God's renewing Spirit.  We've all sinned and fallen short.  That's just a fact.  But God doesn't leave us in our mess.  He seeks to renew and restore us.  Here's what I found.  I hope these verses will help us not give up.  But to press on. 


30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:30-31 NKJV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
(2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)

1 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song!
For He has done marvelous things;
His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory
(Psalms 98:1 NKJV)


18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
(Romans 8:18 NKJV)

19 Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
(Isaiah 43:19 NKJV)

22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
(Ephesians 4:22-24 NKJV)

13 And He will love you and bless you and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your land, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flock, in the land of which He swore to your fathers to give you.
(Deuteronomy 7:13 NKJV)

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
(Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV)

18 For surely there is a hereafter,
And your hope will not be cut off.
19 Hear, my son, and be wise;
And guide your heart in the way.
(Proverbs 23:18-19 NKJV)

23 Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints!
For the Lord preserves the faithful,
And fully repays the proud person.
24 Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord.
(Psalms 31:23-24 NKJV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
(1 Peter 1:3-5 NKJV)

5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
(Romans 5:5 NKJV)

9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him...
(Colossians 3:9-10 NKJV)

31 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31 NKJV)

Here's a song from Owl City.  It's beauty is in it's simplicity.
Owl City, In Christ Alone (link)

Christmas Story 6, Jesus is born! (Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:6-7, Matt. 2:9-11, Luke 2:15-20, Isaiah 11:10)

"We have a Savior!"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 9:6  

Many Jews, like Joseph, were in Bethlehem for the Census.  The inns were full.  Perhaps the travel between Nazareth and Bethlehem took a bit longer for Mary and Joseph.  There wasn't a mid-wife or Mary's family to help out, they were alone.  But they did just fine.  Mary may have felt a little sad that Jesus' birth turned out this way.  She probably felt bad that the Son of God was born in a manger.   Maybe she even had special plans for His birth.  But, God had this all figured out...  

6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7

There would've been this strange star lighting where Jesus lay.  A heavenly spotlight on the baby.  

The wise men came to see where the star shone in Bethlehem and they found the King of the Jews and Gentiles.  God can use anyone to fulfill His plan!

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11

The gold was a gift for a King.  The frankincense was used as incense or perfume.  It was also used in temple sacrifices.  Jesus would become the sacrifice for our sin.  The myrrh was used to embalm bodies- these gifts were of great financial worth.  It took faith to follow a star from their own country to another.  They were rewarded, and rejoiced with exceedingly great joy!  All doubt is gone.  Perhaps Joseph burned a little frankincense for his wife.  Or maybe the gifts were too sacred to touch.  Joseph and Mary had money to take care of Jesus.  Amazing how He provides our needs.

It was dark out, and while Mary rested with the baby, and Joseph talked with the wise men, a strange bleeting and the excited voices of men started getting closer.  Suddenly, a crowd of shepherds and sheep came to them.  The experience they shared must've filled Mary and Joseph with awe and wonder.  Tingles.
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.  Luke 2:15-20 

If I were a shepherd I'd run to Bethlehem too!  You notice the shepherd's weren't shy about spreading the word of the Angel's visit.  God knows people, He created them.  All through scripture He has chosen people who will either spread the word or remain silent. Mary pondered this in her heart.  I could never do that.  I'd be talking about this for years.  He's finally here!  For the first time in many years shepherds were treated as important people.  God spoke to them, He lit up the sky with angels.  Shepherds were important!  It didn't matter how people treated them.  Almighty God sent His Angels.  We are important to Him too, no matter what we've done or been.  He came for us.

10 "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him,
And His resting place shall be glorious." Isaiah 11:10
NKJV

"And His resting place shall be glorious," there were wise men in fine robes, expensive gifts and camels.  Angels sang.  Shepherds and sheep gathered near.  A brilliant star lit the manger.  And a radiant Mary and Joseph rejoice in all they are experiencing.  They are a part of a much bigger plan; Jesus is no longer their secret.  Usually referring to a resting place means a grave.  But Jesus didn't rest... He rose from the grave!  He conquered sin and death.  Now it is 2015 and we wait for more prophecies to be fulfilled, Jesus' second coming.  I believe it will happen as naturally and supernaturally as His first.  There will be no more doubt. 

Silent Night, Sarah McLachlan (link)

We'll watch The Nativity (link) on DVD tonight.  It's always a blessing to see Israel and have a small view of what happened that night.  It's one that can be shown in Church groups.

May God bless you abundantly!
Merry Christmas from New Jersey!

Christmas Story 5, Shepherds and Angels (Luke 2:8-14, Psalm 23, Isaiah 11:10, Micah 5:2-4)

"Such an amazing sight, angels everywhere, singing!"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.


The first time the full impact of this part of the Christmas story really dawned on me, was when I was watching a movie about Jesus.  I'm not one to get real emotional, but I cried.  The shepherds were the lowest of the low socially.  They were humble people who lived in the fields tending sheep.  They told each other stories about the constellations in the night sky; they played instruments.  They didn't have fine robes and big houses. If God had waited 2000 years He could've made an announcement on TV.  But that wasn't His plan.   I'm so grateful.  King David was called by God when he was a shepherd boy.  These were simple, humble, and honorable people- like us.

Luke 2:8-14

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."


13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

I think I would be afraid too if I saw an angel.  Just imagine, it's the dead of night.  The shepherds are listening for any disturbance in the bush, a wolf? A lion?  There may have been a soothing song playing in the background to calm the sheep.  They always protected the sheep, their income.  When suddenly a great light appears before them!  An angel speaks.  Sheep?  What sheep?  What is this?  Then the whole sky lights up!  And the angels rejoice right in front of the shepherds!  We will see this in Heaven too.  How awesome is that?  In verse 10 you see "I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." The message is expanding it's no longer just for Jews it's for all people now.  Even those of us who are Gentiles.  There are many prophecies in Isaiah and Jeremiah about the Gentiles.  Here's one:

Isaiah 11:10
10 "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him,
And His resting place shall be glorious."

The Jews will always be God's chosen ones, always the first-fruits.  God chose to include the Gentiles as well.  For that I am very grateful.  Jesse was David's father, Mary and Joseph are of the lineage of David.  Jesus came through the root of Jesse.  This prophecy sounds like it's referring to the manger in Bethlehem.  The wise men were Gentiles.  

God mentions the shepherd many times in Scripture.  He is God, I'm a sheep...  But, from what I've read a shepherd's job is very taxing.  They need to watch everything their sheep do.  They're not the brightest of animals and will eat poisonous food, get scared to death literally, and fall off of cliffs.  It does sound familiar ...  They are also considered a tasty treat by meat eating animals so they constantly need to be guarded and protected.  It would take a great deal of patience and love to handle a job like this.  

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.”
3 Therefore He shall give them up,
Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth;
Then the remnant of His brethren
Shall return to the children of Israel.
4 And He shall stand and feed His flock
In the strength of the Lord,
In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God;
And they shall abide,
For now He shall be great
To the ends of the earth;
(Micah 5:2-4 NKJV)


My favorite Psalm, I memorized this and repeat it before I go to sleep at night.  God calls Himself our Shepherd.

Psalms 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
NKJV

A great Christian book on God as our shepherd is A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (link), by W. Phillip Keller.

One day we will see the angels in glory, and sing in their choir!  My husband is bringing Santa Claus with him to the Nursing Home, where he works.  They always get a big laugh and have fun.

Pentatonix, The Little Drummer Boy (link)
Gifts from the heart are the very best.

Do you hear what I hear? Carrie Underwood (link)

Christmas Story 4, Wise men from the east (Matthew 2:1-8, 12, Micah 5:2)

"Wise men & women still seek Him"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Matthew 2:1-8

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

Jesus came to earth to become the, "King of Kings."  "Herod," the Roman appointed ruler was afraid he would be conquered.  He was an evil man.  

5 So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.'" (Micah 5:2)

From these verses we can see that people believed the prophecies before the birth of Christ.  And even knew them by heart.  Sadly Herod did not understand the meaning or care. He was the current King of the Jews.  All of Jerusalem was troubled.  You would think the coming of the Christ would be a good thing in the temple- that it wouldn't be a surprise.  It took wise men from the east to point this out, they were the ones who worshiped Jesus.  This shows the deterioration taking place in the Jewish leaders since the time of King David.  David did everything for the glory of God.  When he sinned, he repented, and went on to bring God glory again.

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."
NKJV

Herod desired to destroy the competition, it was all about his glory.  So he lied telling the wise men he wanted to worship Jesus. 

Here's how God worked it out with the wise men:

Matthew 2:12
12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
NKJV

One of my hobbies is astronomy.  It is documented that a very rare and unusual incident happened during this time period where the planets Venus and Jupiter were in the constellation Leo.  Leo is the constellation of Kings and the tribe of Judah.  Jesus is the lion of the tribe of Judah. 

I read in my research that this has never occurred again in over 2000 years.  One of the proofs that God exists is the orderliness of the universe.  There have been many theories, over the years, as to how the universe will end.  However no one can truly explain how it has lasted this long.  The constellations we see in the sky today, are the same as when Jesus walked the earth.  The earth has changed through war, storms, earthquakes etc.  But the constellations have not.  What a grand entry for the Son of God!  A great and glorious light shone in the sky over the baby Jesus.  When we are in Heaven we'll know all of these details.  For now, we know nothing is impossible for God.  The Bible says a star for the King of the Jews.  That's good enough for me.

This is a rap song by This Hope.  It's pretty fun : )

I wonder as I wander, This Hope (Remix)

Christmas Story 3, Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Luke 1:26-27, Luke 2:1-5)

"Messiah would be born in Bethlehem"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

An Old Testament prophecy was written that the Ruler of Israel comes from Bethlehem:

Micah 5:2
2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting."

But, Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth, about 80 miles from Bethlehem.  Tradition shows Mary riding a donkey.  I suspect because Joseph was a carpenter, he would've built a wagon for Mary.

Luke 1:26-27
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.

Here's how God worked it out:

Luke 2:1-5
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into 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 wife, who was with child.
NKJV

Census and taxes!  God used the government to bring about His plan.  This proves that nothing is impossible for God and He can use anything to bring about His will.  By this time it may have been a relief for Mary and Joseph to leave Nazareth.  I'm sure they both received a lot of advice and who knows what happened in the local gossip mill.  Getting away was a good thing in many ways.  However, the trip was very difficult.  Mary was almost ready to deliver Jesus.  

I remember how it feels when I step out in faith, and go where the Lord leads me- like a Nursing Home.  I am overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit's presence and joy.  Mary wasn't carrying a normal baby.  He is the Son of God, she must have been blessed for her service and His presence within her.  Joseph was also blessed.  I don't know if the road was easier because of her assignment. I hope so.  At one point Mary went to visit her cousin, "Elizabeth."  She also became pregnant with John the Baptist.  When Mary and Elizabeth met both of the babies moved in their wombs.  

Usually women are the talkers, but I suspect Joseph finally got his chance to think this all through. My Dad always talked the most when we were driving.  Maybe Joseph said something like, "We're going to have the Son of God!  No, wait.  Mary's going to have the Son of God.  My Mary, God chose my Mary.  I knew she was special.  I knew she would stay faithful.  I'm going to be a Dad!  But I'm not worthy, why would God?  I'll teach Him everything I can!  But what could I possibly teach the Son of God?" 

I imagine Mary giggling and saying something like, "Oh Joseph, you'll be a fine Father.  Just remember this baby is a miracle.  God has a plan for us as parents.  He will guide us."

Or maybe they just travelled rejoicing in their hearts to have this awesome role in God's  plan.  Perhaps they prayed, no doubt the angels were nearby.  The Savior was coming as a baby.  No doubt they were exhausted by the trip.  Somehow God always has a way of bringing us through the rough times.

Gaither Vocal Band, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem (link)