Direction for the Journey

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).

When I go on a trip, before I even leave home, I check on the map where I am headed. I make sure I have the necessary directions to arrive at my destination. If I have some place specific to be, I want good directions. I am not fond of getting lost. Directions provide guidance of how to travel from point A to point B. With today’s GPS systems, one can have step-by-step directions from door-to-door.

An angel appeared to several people on this journey to Bethlehem, preparing them for journey with two simple words of direction, “Fear not.” The journey of life, like that journey to Bethlehem 2000 years ago, can seem frightening, overwhelming. At the time of the birth of Christ, the journey to Bethlehem was a dangerous one to on which to embark. The route, a seventy mile journey which Joseph and Mary took was in rocky highlands in which bandits lay in wait for those who risk traveling. The travel is exhausting and vastly uncomfortable.

However, God told the travelers to “Fear not” for He was with them. As God was with those weary travelers long ago, He is with us today. Our journey may not be without pain, it may not be without risk and it may be tiring and uncomfortable. Dear one, fear not, for God is with us; we need no other direction.

Digging deeper: 2 Timothy 1:7; Mark 6:50; Matthew 17:7; Revelation 1:17; Genesis 26:24; Isaiah 41:13; Romans 8:15

The Beginning

I John 1:1 (NSB) “That which was from the beginning”

When thinking of the journey to Bethlehem the focus is often on the physical trip that Mary and Joseph took. While I shudder to think of taking such a difficult journey being very pregnant and under such difficult circumstances, the true journey to Bethlehem started long before Mary and Joseph took the first step on the road. It was no less an easy journey because it was filled with folks like you and I, less than perfect beings.

All journeys have a beginning, a starting point. The true journey to Bethlehem began at the very beginning of life. John 1:2 tells us that “He (Jesus) was with God in the beginning”. The Christ-child knew long before His arrival in a lowly stable, the cost of the journey. Yet, He came, without hesitation, because of His love for you and me.

Come travel this journey to Bethlehem, to the birth of our Lord. The road is filled with prophecies, praises, fear, danger, decrees, family issues and more. But most of all, it is filled will mercy. God’s mercy shines throughout it all. If you feel unworthy, come and allow God to show you His mercy, His boundless love, His grace that He offers to you. Come journey to Bethlehem.

Prayer: Father, as we begin this journey, travel with us.

Digging deeper: Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:17, John 1:1-4