Sunday Worship Sermon • December 25, 2022

Road Trip

Many years ago, according to Exodus 12.37-38, Moses went on a road trip with 600,000 men as they left Egypt. I can't even begin to imagine creating an itinerary for that trip or figuring out the logistics. When it comes to travel, we have two basic questions we want answered. Where are we going and when are we leaving. These two questions influence other questions like What should I bring, How long will it take, What will we eat, and What we will do when we get there. Fortunately for Moses, God organized the whole trip. He answered the questions on where are we going (a land I will show you), when are we leaving (midnight), and also on what to bring. The Israelites took their flocks, herds, clothing, dough before the yeast was added, and articles of silver and gold that they plundered from the Egyptians (Exodus 12.34-36). For GPS, they had a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Now, we all know that isn't all to that story. There's Exodus 14 where the people cried out as they saw the Egyptians closing in on them by the Red Sea, and there was also Exodus 16 where the people grumbled because they were hungry. Yes, people can make traveling hard, and they can make this time of year extra hard for some as you show hospitality to them. During the holiday season, it's easy to get overrun with details and stress. The Martha in us pops up and we struggle. Hear afresh Jesus's words to find the one thing that's needed. Before you take another step on your journey, be like Mary and worship at the Lord's feet. In so doing, God will help you to simplify your life. Listen to the Savior's call to "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Alfred Toole

Sermon: “Road trip, the journey” Luke 2:1-20