A Long Walk
Sometimes there are things in our lives that happen that are beyond our control. A long time ago, in the dark season of winter – when nights were long and days were short, a young couple, newlyweds, had to make a long journey because of a government census. It must have seemed unreasonable. The timing was rough, with a young very pregnant woman – but there were no alternatives. I wonder, did Mary’s mother help her pack? Did Elizabeth help her bake some bread for the trip? Did Joseph’s father give them some money so there would be help? Would the donkey be enough to hold provisions, and carry Mary when she needed rest? It was a 90 mile walk to Bethlehem. It was dangerous – like a desert in some parts, hilly in other places, valleys of heavily treed forestland near the Jordan River, with robbers and gangs along the way. It was often cold and rainy wet during winter season. Travelers sometimes gathered in groups to caravan together for protection. They usually ate simple things like bread and herbs, and water from wineskins. Mary was vulnerable, so young, probably very uncomfortable. Joseph probably felt very unworthy of how to lead this new marriage, help his new bride have a baby, get her safely to Bethlehem, raise his family. Through dark nights that winter so long ago others were drawn to Bethlehem by night sky stars – light that beckoned them. They also walked – strangers, drawn to see, to meet, to give. Nothing in common – sheep herders, and some foreign men. I wonder who else wondered about the LIGHT? The light of the world. God with us. We are invited to find Jesus – we are all walking – Paul walked along a different road and met Jesus. Mary Magdalene walked along another road and met the risen Jesus. God is with us – beckoning to us as we walk. As this month comes, what is NOT beyond my control? I want to purpose to always walk towards God With Us, Emmanuel. May I always look for the LIGHT in darkness. Would I walk to Bethlehem? Do I even know where I am going? Who am I following? Would a 90 mile walk through unknown territory, in winter, be too much? One foot in front of another. Who can I help along the way? What stranger is heading the same way? Would I be the one starting a fire and letting some come along to warm themselves? Would I let Mary take a turn on the donkey?
-Barb Admire
Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen the great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
