There is Joy in knowing where you come from.

Scripture Passage

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant.

-Luke 2:1‭-‬5

Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity.
-Micah 5:2

Message

According to the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:2-16, Luke 3:23-38) Joseph and Mary were from the house of David. Because of that, Joseph had to go to Bethlehem with his family for the census. This helps to fulfill prophecies about the Messiah.

Joseph could take Joy in knowing that he was from David’s family. This fact probably helped him to believe the prophecies were being made true through his virgin wife.

God sometimes uses our past to help us understand our future. We can find the Joy He has for us when we know where we come from. Sometimes our past is like Joseph’s, and we can see it as a good thing that helps us know who we are. Sometimes we come from dark places that God can use to remind us of how powerful He really is. There is Joy in knowing either past because God can and will use them both.

Take time to look back this Advent season. It will help you to look forward into God’s plan for you.

Prayer

Lord,

Help us to understand where we come from. Use our past to show us Your future. Help us to trust in Your plan. In the blessed name of Jesus.

Amen.