It has been quite an amazing yeah for Joseph and Mary. First angel visitors break into their lives. Then betrothal, then pregnancy, and now the decree that they must travel to Bethlehem for a census. Bethlehem was the hometown of the family of Joseph.
They had no E-bike with a pillion seat, nor could they ring up an uber. They had no four wheeled form of transport, only four footed transport, a donkey! The journey was about 150km. So Joseph and his very pregnant wife gathered what they need for the journey and headed off to Bethlehem. ‘Bethlehem’ means ‘house of bread’. So let’s hope they found food there when they arrived – for themselves and the donkey.
They went on a journey at a pivotal point in their lives – the immanent arrival of their baby. They didn’t know how things were going to go: What would happen? Would they make it before the baby arrived? Would they be welcome? Where would they stay? They journeyed on hope and a promise.
Our life’s journeys can sometimes be like that. But know this; our journeys are directly connected to their journey. At their journey’s end, Jesus, our Saviour, was born. This Jesus, who journeyed from town to town bringing Good News, healing and hope; continues to bring good news today. Where will your journey and mine end? Will Jesus journey with us as he did with Mary and Joseph? Will the Lord open the door for us and welcome us home? That is our hope, that is His Promise!