Change of Plans

Raoul’s Two Cents: December 12, 2025

Change of Plans

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

In the very first century, a young Jewish couple headed to a humble little town of Bethlehem. Although the young wife was pregnant with their first child, they were forced to make that long journey because Rome ruled the land and Caesar Augustus, the head of the empire, demanded a census — all that trouble because Caesar wanted to know how many people were in his kingdom. Why? You know how important bragging rights are for kings when they meet in the Annual King Convention:
“… Oh yeah? Well, I’ve got a million two hundred twenty three Jewish peasants the last time I counted. How about you?”
Yes, spoiled leaders existed even way back when.

Imagine the fun conversation between the two traveling lovebirds:

“Joseph, I think we should head back. My contraction’s getting more frequent.”

“No. Not yet! Just remember, Mary, whatever happens, don’t give birth yet! That would be a disaster! Stick to the plan! We go to Bethlehem, go to the Census Bureau, register, then we head back to Nazareth and you give birth there i Nazareth. Kapeesh?”

“But Joseph …”

“Nope! Nope! I’m not hearing any of this … I have spoken!”

“Well, did you make reservations?”

“Of course I did … well, at least I did call … but, the lines were busy. Anyway, when we get there, I’ll tell them we are direct descendants of King David. Surely, they will honor that.”

“NEWS FLASH! Everyone registering there will be direct descendants of David! Why else would they be there?”

“Well, I think Uncle Matt will be there. We can probably stay with his family.”

“NEWS FLASH! Uncle Matt has 12 children. He can’t even fit the liter in his own home!”

“You’re so negative, Mary! Where did all this animosity come from?”

“Let’s see: I’m pregnant, I’m riding a donkey, I’m starving, my butt hurts, and I’m missing my favorite soapbox TV show … why wouldn’t I be in a foul mood?

Of course, we know what happened when they got to Bethlehem: There was no room left due to the avalanche of registering visitors. Jesus was born in a manger.

(Manger Definition: a long open box or trough for horses or cattle to eat from).

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

— Luke 2: 4-7

Friend, how are you doing this December? Finances tight? Health not so good? Missing somebody? Losing hope? (If you’re like me, we can think of quite a few friends who are going through very difficult times. We feel their pain, don’t we?)

We all have plans. And, when plans take an unexpected turn, it might help to remember Joseph and Mary. Who would’ve thought Mary would give birth in a strange and stinky surrounding? Not knowing that all that time, our loving God was orchestrating the whole event — after all, history is God’s plan … not ours. And to think that from that humble origin, would emerge a king — a king above all kings! Indeed, there is much to be hopeful despite our circumstances.

TGIF people! Two more weekends before Christmas!

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Quotes of the Week

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” – Hamilton Wright Mabie

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” – Roy L. Smith

“God is so great that he can become small. God is so powerful that he can make himself vulnerable and come to us as a defenseless child so that we can love him.” – Pope Benedict XVI

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” – Andy Rooney

“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” — Psalm 34:19

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Jennifer of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Bobby of Boise, Idaho

Thanks to Joe of San Bernardino, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

Got any good jokes? Come share it with rest of us!
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