This time of year, travel increases as people head home to be with family and loved ones. When there are snowstorms, television reporters show us people sleeping in the airports.
Road trips can be a challenge but also a lot of fun. Pack a few snacks, some good Christmas CD’s, a few bottles of bottled water… and let the fun begin!
Road trips were different two thousand years ago. I invite you to consider a few differences about the road trip that Joseph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem:
- Hotels.com reservations would not have been possible
- There was no running water
- There were no disposable diapers they could pack to take with them
- There were no automobiles so Mary, in her third trimester, rode on an animal, probably a donkey, about 80 miles – uphill.
As you prepare for your journeys this December, I invite you to pause and give thanks for those who made journeys that first Christmas: Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the Wise Men, but especially the journey of God – who chose to journey to earth and come as a child to bless us all with great love.
May God bless all of your road trips this Christmas as you remember those whose journeys that first Christmas continue to bless you!
Peace,
Pastor Cathy Johns