Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
All week here on the blog we’ve been discussing various aspects of the first Christmas. One thing that has always intrigued me about the birth of Christ is the long journey his parents had to endure right before he was born. They traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, about 80 miles, which probably would have taken them a few days to a week, traveling on foot. I sometimes imagine what that must have been like for them—not only the physical hardship for Mary, but also the emotional journey they were taking together.
Did Mary and Joseph discuss this child they were about to have? Did they wrestle with what it meant that this child was of God and would be the Messiah? I’ll bet they were full of questions. All new parents are somewhat fearful and don’t know what to expect, but how much more intense it must have been for Mary and Joseph!
They were headed for Joseph’s hometown, and you know what that meant for Mary. Like many of us, she was going to spend Christmas around her in-laws! I wonder if she had trepidation as she got closer and closer to Bethlehem. Not only was she approaching the birth of her child, she was also probably about to meet Joseph’s family for the first time. Did she wonder what they would think? After all, it probably would have been clear to the family that Mary was pregnant prior to her marrying Joseph. This must have created anxiety in Mary.
As Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth, they most likely traveled through some rough, hilly, rocky territory. It wasn’t a smooth road. They also probably traveled through Samaria, which at the time wasn’t a comfortable place for Jews, since the two cultures were hostile to one another. This doesn’t sound like a fun trip!
And yet it’s clear that Mary’s faith was strong. The journey to Bethlehem would have been full of trepidation, but I imagine Mary praying continually for strength, and for the Lord to be with her. Through rocky passes, encounters with unfriendly Samaritans or even bandits, through fears about the future and getting comfortable with her new husband, I can envision Mary’s total trust in God. Throughout the journey, even though she wasn’t quite sure what lay ahead, she remained steadfast in her faith.
I often think of this journey that Mary and Joseph had to take so that God himself could come into the world, changing all of human history. We, too, are often on an arduous journey toward giving birth to something important in our lives. We are constantly on a journey toward allowing God to fully transform us, and it’s often a rocky road, full of uncertainty, fear, and even bandits. But just like on that first Christmas, the journey has a purpose. Its destination is completely worth all the trouble. The gift is nothing less than the miracle of eternity, brought to you and me on that first Christmas night so long ago.
May God’s blessings be yours this Christmas, and may your own journey be guided by His Love.
Sue Harrison
Christmas blessings to you and your family, Rachelle!
Kathryn Elliott
Merry Christmas, Rachelle. (Christmas with the in-laws, thanks for the much needed laugh!)
Jeanne T
What great insight, Rachelle. I have pondered the journey Joseph and Mary took, but I never thought about the in-law aspect. 🙂 No pressure for this young, pregnant girl.
As I read your post today, I also thought about another aspect of the journey. God could have caused Joseph and Mary to already live in Bethlehem. But he didn’t. They had to travel, and grow in their trust of God. I’m sure He had things that He wanted them to learn about each other and Him along the way.
Lisa
I really like that aspect of the journey too, Jeanne. Wise words.
Lisa
Merry Christmas!
Each journey has a purpose. We will not lose heart!
Jenni Brummett
Thanks for your insight Rachelle.
Merry Christmas!
Carol J. Garvin
I’ve appreciated this week’s series of posts, especially because of the personal view each has presented. We’re so often shown the sweet nativity scene as the focus of our Christmas season, and the realities and implications are overlooked. Thank you for reminding me that their journey was one requiring faith and trust, just as mine is today.
Blessings to you and your family this Christmas, Rachelle.
Lori
These blog postings have been a nice change of pace.
Have a Merry Christmas, Rachelle
Cheryl Malandrinos
What a beautiful post, Rachelle. I’ve enjoyed everyone’s take on the first Christmas this week. What heavenly inspired thoughts.
Thanks for sharing.
Carole Lehr Johnson
You pointed out some great insight that we rarely give thought to. One other thing that probably gave Mary strength was the full implications of ‘who’ she was about to give birth to. She knew God was with her because of the honor he had given her to birth the Messiah.
Merry Christmas!
Susi Robinson Rutz
Love this, Rachelle! And, thank you for the word “bandits”–the perfect synonym for thieves, robbers I need for my WIP. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Christine Dorman / @looneyfilberts
Thank you, Rachelle. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a peace-filled New Year!
Paula Moldenhauer
I so connect with the symbolism of our own rocky journeys. Seasons of grief, seasons of joy, seasons of lack and those of plenty. Productive seasons and healing seasons. I don’t always like where I am, but God always shows up. And when He does, the difficult journeys suddenly have value and the the places are sweeter than even. Eternity with Him is beyond my comprehension . . . and I know it will be better than I can dream. For now, I cling to Him in the today.
Peter DeHaan
May you have a blessed Christmas!