Devotionals by Raul Ries

TUESDAY December 23, 2025

God Is in the Details

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, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
Luke 2:4-5

Caesar Augustus issued a decree that all the known world should be registered. This census took place while Quirinius was governing Syria (Luke 2:1-3). Some scholars believe that the census was ordered for the increased taxation of the people.

This meant Joseph had to prepare to travel with Mary to Bethlehem. They left Galilee to go into Judea, to the city of David.... The journey was long. It took the couple over 90 miles of rough and rugged terrain. Imagine how difficult and harsh this journey must have been for Mary. She was nearing the time of delivery! In fact, she was described as being great with child (Luke 2:5 KJV). Yet they both trusted God, knowing His hand was upon the details of their lives. He was leading, guiding and directing them.

The prophet Micah, with pinpoint accuracy, named Bethlehem as Jesus’ birthplace. This is where God, in His providence, was leading them. Bethlehem was to be the birthplace of our King:

“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” (Micah 5:2).

When we decide to follow Jesus, we journey on the narrow road. He goes before us and, in His providence, leads us to where we are supposed to be. Sometimes we are unaware of His leading. We may even become fearful of the unknown. Yet we simply have to take steps of faith as we leave our future all in His hands. We know our final destination––heaven.

Christmas should be a day when our minds go back to Bethlehem, beyond the noise of our materialistic world, to hear the soft flutter of angels’ wings.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!