December 7th
David had been learning at school about Mary and Joseph and he wanted to tell his Dad all about it, just as if it were current news. But then he began to think about the practical stuff. On reaching home and finding Dad, he said…
“Dad, how far is it to Bethlehem?”
“Well Son, it depends where you start from!”
“No, I mean for Joseph and Mary. They started from Nazareth.”
“Ha-ha, I guessed that. About ninety miles, it would have probably taken them just over a week. Remember, it was winter and even in those parts the nights were very cold and the path was hard. Their only transport was a donkey. But they had to go! Even though Mary was going to have a baby!”
A journey is simply a process of getting from A to B. It can also be a simple task to be completed or a large assignment. Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem, to register their names as part of Joseph’s family line. Life itself of course is a journey…
The journey or task may be just a short distance and we often set out without a thought as to how long we are going to be. Realisation only occurs after the event! We may say to our self, “Well, what took you so long?” and “I didn’t bargain on that.” You know the feeling; things could have gone better, too many distractions, should I have really embarked on this at all?
So, should we plan every journey or task and stick rigidly to it?
Well, the issue seems to be in how we feel about the task? If we can change the way we feel about the process; be more at peace, trust in our strengths and see it more as a joy, then we will improve in how we see things, creating enriched future journeys or tasks.
Recognise your starting points and put on the right attitude towards the things to be undertaken. Joseph would not have known what his life journey was going to be – but he trusted in God. We can take encouragement in Joseph’s trust, the oil that lubricates the process is prayer (acknowledging and spending time in God’s company).
Luke 2: 4-5 Journey to Bethlehem
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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
Prayer
Heavenly Father – keep us safe on our journey, no matter how far or from wherever we may start. Be my travelling companion in all I do. May we go forward in the grace and forgiveness of God. Amen.
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Tomorrow – Joseph