Travels

Christmas 2023

Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-20

We have been hearing a lot about traveling for almost a month. There are estimations of how many people will travel this year either by air or car. There have been cost comparisons between driving and flying and instructions on how to navigate through the long lines and traffic that might come up. I even heard the estimation of how many people will travel more than 50 miles from their home this Christmas. Which would be in line with the distance that Mary and Joseph traveled on that first Christmas. A quick search on the internet tells me that the distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem is 70 or more miles depending on what route they took. And that journey was not by plane, car, or even donkey. They walked to Bethlehem from Nazareth. They were poor folk and probably did not even have a donkey. And, did I tell you, Mary was nine months pregnant? That had to be a strenuous, painful journey. And people complain today if their flight is delayed.

Mary and Joseph’s travel was not to visit relatives or do some sight-seeing. It was not for pleasure at all, their journey was a requirement. They traveled to Bethlehem to register so the Roman government could tax them. You see, the Romans dictated to them where they belonged and where they went. Which brings me to ask you. What journey are you on? Where are you going? There are many paths out there that you may take. Which ones have you chosen? How many of them took you the wrong direction? If you are like me you have chosen the wrong path many times. Sometimes the path is chosen for you. We all hope that the journey we travel is easy with no pain or struggle. Your financial advisors tell you that is possible. So does the street pharmacist on the corner. But life is not a straight easy street. It is one that has many turns and obstacles involving many stops and starts. As in all streets there are good patches along the way and in other places pot-holes. Fortunately, we do not have to travel this road alone. Which brings us to the longest travel this day. That is of Jesus. He traveled from God’s heavenly kingdom to our world, giving up the power and richness of God to be born as a small child to poor parents who lived in a nondescript village on the edge of civilization.

From there his journey took him through our life. He knew what it is like to have joy, to be accepted by others, and to have loving family and friends. He also knew what it is like to be ridiculed and persecuted by the authorities, to stand at the tomb of a loved one who died, to be betrayed by a friend. He also knows what it is like to die and to be raised from the dead. That means he is able to walk with us in our journey no matter what it might bring. Remember then, this baby wrapped in bands of cloth whose first bed was a feeding trough for animals, understands your journey because he walked his own and now he walks with you. So no matter how far you must travel, no matter where you end up, be assured that Jesus is with you. And when you reach that final journey he will reach out his hand and lead you home.