Luke 2:4-5
Stop.
Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths. Think of your faith life like a journey. Picture God walking that path with you. Let yourself be comforted by God’s constant presence in your life.
Listen.
Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. – Luke 2:4-5
Reflect.
The author of Luke’s gospel wants to make the point that Jesus was born in Bethlehem to connect Jesus to the promises of a king in the line of David. This detail lets us know why a young family from Nazareth would have their first child born in Bethlehem, a town seventy miles and possibly a week’s journey away from their home. Jesus’ hometown might have been Nazareth, but his birthplace was Bethlehem, giving him another connection to God’s promises for a new king.
But I hear a different detail. I hear a heavily pregnant Mary being compelled by the edict of a tyrant to walk for a week a more, just so they could be “registered”; that is, noted officially so they might be taxed accordingly. The story makes absolutely no mention of her riding a donkey for this arduous journey, no matter what the Christmas carols say, and even if she was on a donkey, ask any pregnant woman if they’d like to bounce around on a donkey’s back in their third trimester.
I hear a woman at her most vulnerable being forced to go on a journey she didn’t want or need, forced away from home at a terrifying, potentially lethal moment in her young life. I hear a woman who must have felt desperately alone.
People like to use journey language when they talk about faith to indicate that we keep moving along as we learn and grow. But it’s important to remember that journeys can be risky. The end is uncertain. The path itself is fraught with danger. And there are times in our lives when we’re simply not cut out for the work.
Whether it’s Mary on the road to Bethlehem or you in the midst of some long, challenging, intimidating part of your life, remember that you do not go alone. God goes with you. It does not take away the hard work you need to do, but it does assure you that God’s love and promise follow you no matter where the path leads.
Pray.
God, you guided Mary in her most difficult journey. Walk with me today. Let me feel your presence, especially when I feel lost, tired, or overwhelmed. And no matter where I go, always guide me back to the promise of your Son. Amen.
Carry On.
For many, a journey isn’t just a faith metaphor. Like Mary and Joseph, many today still must travel at the whim of political influences into dangerous places. Learn more about how we might care for refugees and immigrants today through Lutheran Immigrant And Refugee Service: www.lirs.org