How far is it to Bethlehem? Mary and Joseph traveled approximately 80 miles by foot and donkey. In that time in history, it would have taken about 3 to 4 days. Terrain was rough. There were no fancy airbnb’s along the way. Mary was 9 months pregnant with Jesus. In a time when women and babies died in childbirth easily, I am sure they were anxious to keep going in order to get to a better place to spend the night than the hard ground surrounded by wild animals.
They had to go or be in contempt of the order of census by Augustus Caesar. There were no phones to call ahead for inn reservations nor forms to complete and mail to the government so they didn’t have to travel. How disappointed they must have been when they finally arrived in Bethlehem, weary, dirty, hungry, perhaps fearful, to find they would, again, be sleeping with the animals.
Mary and Joseph’s journey was hard, but God protected them. How many days do we complain that life is just too hard from the comfort of our homes with heat and soft beds? We must always consider that God knows our struggles within this life’s journey.
Has your life taken you away from God in your effort to maintain worldly comforts, festive holidays, and expensive habits? It is time to turn back. Ask for discernment.
How far is your journey back to the Savior? It doesn’t matter the length of time. More importantly, it is realizing change needs to happen, and it’s not too late to get started. It might get rough. You may become weary, tired, dirty, hungry, and/or afraid, but take hope that God knows. Holy is with you and within you.
This Christ-mas,seek guidance on your life journey from the only one who has been there, Jesus.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Jesus is your future. Journey on.