1. Joseph and Mary were no doubt STRESSED due to being the “talk of the town”! She is pregnant and not married!!
But do remember, both she and Joseph had God’s blessing sent by the Angel, Gabriel.

2. Not only were they both traveling a long distance – approximately 85 miles – from Nazareth to Bethlehem but they were probably not “super excited” about paying their taxes (sound familiar?). By the way, it was not just a “straight shot” to their destination; i.e. rough terrain such as hills and mountains, not to mention the danger of being robbed made it more difficult.

3. After walking or riding on the back of a donkey for days and looking for a nice, safe, place to stay, they were rejected by the Inn Keeper with the bad news – NO VACANCIES!! No ROOM. Oh boy, another “setback”!!!

4. However, looking back in retrospect, it was all in GOD’S plan. Because besides the RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ, this event, namely the birth of Christ, was the GREATEST event in human history. A Savior who would live without sin and die for all of man’s sin was born! The great, big wall of separation between a holy God and sinful man was torn down…a bridge across eternal death and everlasting life was built!! HOPE was wrapped up in swaddling clothes!! Peace and Joy was included.