In preparation for Christmas, let’s take a look at our journey in life. And even more specifically, take a look at your journey through this year that has brought you to the holidays. In doing so, reflect on that through Mary and Joseph’s Christmas Journey.
Luke 2:4-5 NIV
4 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
A Grueling Journey
Though I am sure Joseph and Mary were in far better shape than most of us (me), since they walked everywhere anyway, right? Nevertheless, it was quite the journey, especially with Mary’s pregnancy. Did you know it was an 80 or 90-mile trip? And by foot?
To be sure, it was a grueling trip with hills and valleys, forests, and deserts. With it being winter, there were very cold nights. They had to carry food (without coolers) and water. There was the danger of bandits and robbers.
Trials and Challenges
Oh, and the trails were not paved, and other dangers like lions, bears, and wild boars existed. And it was probably a four or five-day trip.
They probably traveled from Nazareth around Samaria to Jericho, and then Jerusalem and Bethlehem in Judea. Probably, on their way, they were hosted by various people at those times. In the Near East, it was a common tradition to overnight travelers. Airbnb way before it’s time! And Chateau Mariposa (follow CM on Instagram) in Weeki Wachee was not an option! 😊
No Place to Stay
Many larger family houses in Jesus’ day had their family quarters on the ground floor and a guest room (often added later) on the upper story or on the roof. The family’s livestock would also be housed on the ground floor, or sometimes in an adjacent cave or underground cellar.
They found that there was no place for them in their family’s guest room. Maybe because Joseph’s elder brother and his wife were already there. They were probably asked to share the lower room where animals were normally kept. As a result, the newborn baby Jesus’s makeshift crib was a manger – the feeding trough for the animals.
But it was Mary and Joseph’s Christmas journey.
Your Grueling Journey
Can you imagine your journey? Can you imagine your faith in God and His protection needed to complete your journey this year? And all of this to be sure God’s will for you (your dreams and Goals) gets accomplished in impacting others’ lives as you reflect Christ to your world. Reflect on Mary’s Song – Breath of Heaven for a moment…
Matthew 1:22-23 NIV
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
This is an amazing, miraculous thing. And for us to have God with us. His presence in the Old Testament in various ways, in bringing in the new covenant by putting on an earth suit to be with us and demonstrating His love for us. And by dying for us! And then being with us today, the New Testament times, through His Spirit.
Did you know? Do you know that His life through you will impact many people throughout your life? And so did you know how it would impact your life, your family, and those in and around you in your world?
Challenge of Christmas Eve:
You are a real-life walking example and reflection of Jesus and His love for others. Let that journey Mary and Joseph was on, and now is happening through you, impact your heart and soul through this season, and then beyond. So in celebration of Christ’s birth, so be it!
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