As we close out the year, many of us feel the weight of the journey we’ve walked. Some roads were peaceful. Others were marked with tears, questions, and moments when we wondered if God even saw us. And yet—here we are. Still standing, still seeking, still holding on to the One who never let go of us once.
Walking through The Road to Bethlehem this Advent has reminded us of something we often forget: God doesn’t rush transformation. He works in steps, moments, whispers, and small beginnings that slowly shape a weary heart back into hope.
Every day of the devotional—Encourage, Trust, Transform—became more than a reading plan. They became mile markers, showing that God was with us the whole time. Not pushing us. Not hurrying us. Simply inviting us to see Him more clearly.
Encourage (Luke 2:10) reminded us that we are never alone. Even in the dark fields of life, God sends a message of “Do not fear.” His good news meets us right where we stand.
Trust (Matthew 1:20) showed us that God often speaks in the quiet places, asking us to release our worry and lean on Him when the next step feels uncertain.
Transform (Luke 2:11-12) invited us to look again at the manger and realize something important: transformation rarely looks dramatic at first. Sometimes it looks like a baby wrapped in simple cloths—a small beginning that changes everything over time.
And now, at the doorstep of a new year, we see the truth:
The journey didn’t just lead us to Jesus—Jesus used the journey to change us.
Your heart may feel tender. Your hopes may feel fragile. But the Bethlehem story reminds us that God does His best work in quiet places, hidden places, humble places. The places we’d never expect.
So before you rush into resolutions or plans, pause and breathe. Look back with gratitude for what God carried you through. Look around and notice that you’re not the same woman who started this journey. And look ahead with confidence—because the same Savior who met you in the manger will lead you into every new beginning He has prepared.
This is not the end of your story.
This is the turning of a page.
As you step toward a new year, may you walk with renewed hope. May you trust God in deeper ways. And may you remember that the One born in Bethlehem still speaks, still leads, and still transforms hearts today.
You don’t walk into the new year alone.
You walk with the God who came close—
and still comes close every day.
Thank you for walking the Road to Bethlehem with me this Advent season. My prayer is that God’s love meets you in unexpected places and fills your heart with hope for what’s ahead. If you’d like to continue this journey more deeply, my book The Road to Bethlehem, An Advent Journey, is available on Amazon.
Until next week—keep your heart open, your steps steady, and your eyes on the Savior who came in love and still leads in love today.
Grace and peace,
Dr. Deborah