Advent Week 2: The Journey

Another week of our Advent journey has arrived. As we continue to look at the Nativity story and Jesus’ mother, Mary, I’m thinking this week about journeys and what we can take from Mary's journey to Bethlehem, to inspire our own walk. 

‘In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

‘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. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.’ (Luke 2: 1-7, NIV)

As you can see, there aren’t many details in The Bible about the journey itself, but some estimate that it will have taken Mary and Joseph between four days to one week, to cover the distance. Historical and geographical contexts mean there could have been lots of trials along the way. They would have had to carry provisions, Mary was at the end of her pregnancy and they arrived to find there was no room at the inn. What inspiring strength in faith and love for God to complete the journey!

I'm assuming that the journey wasn’t easy. One thing I know is that God will have been with Mary every step of the way. I wonder what she encountered along the journey; in what ways God guided her, provided, protected. What journey did she take in her heart, as she traveled those long roads? 

Earlier this year, I walked part of the Camino de Santiago: a pilgrimage route across Spain. I took the Northern coastal way, walking 120 miles in 7 days; then, a few months later, a further 160 miles in 8 days.  

I walked the pilgrimage, initially, because I wanted to give thanks to God for the indescribable day He’d filled my heart with a pure love that I still can't put into words.

Bible in backpack, off I went, sure it wouldn’t be that hard… I was wrong. I was not at all prepared for how difficult the pilgrimage would be for me. Blisters, soreness, exhaustion, rain - there was even an incident of a hailstone shower up on a mountaintop. It was tough. 

Yet at the same time, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life - because Jesus was with me every step of the journey. 

I felt His presence as I walked in nature day after day. There were too many “God incidents” to write down. My heart was sparkling with the wonder of constantly witnessing His beautiful work, without any distraction from my everyday life.

I saw Him move as He put beautiful people in my path for us to help one another: sharing faith, food, provisions and encouraging stories.

As I shed layers mile on mile, I felt Jesus counsel and guide me. My husband started to believe on that journey, and now he knows and loves Jesus too. It was an incredible blessing.

As a new Christian, I was amazed to see just how much Jesus carries us when we simply cannot make the journey ourselves. I was not strong enough to do that walk. But on my last ebb, when I felt I had no strength left, Jesus gave me His. 

We don’t have to have walked a pilgrimage to see these amazing wonders, because Jesus walks with us wherever and whoever we are. In small ways and big, He is constantly revealing Himself to us, guiding our lives, protecting us, loving us and giving us strength. How have you seen Him move on your journey, in big ways and small? 

This Christmas, I will continue to reflect on the obedience of Mary to fulfill God’s will. We can only imagine her experiences on her journey to Bethlehem, but we know the awesomeness of God will have shone with her always. I pray that we may keep our eyes and hearts open to notice this in our own lives, to witness God with us every single mile of our walk. 

And may we enjoy the journey with Him! Let's walk the journey of life with a smile, knowing Jesus is by our sides through every mountain and valley. 

Have a blessed Advent! Kim x