By Revd Canon Chris Palmer
A feature of many nativity plays is the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It is usually enhanced by a donkey, unmentioned in scripture, and ends with encounters with various innkeepers turning the travellers away from the door, until they find an inn with a cosy stable.
Much of this is elaboration of the biblical story, though none the worse for that. But the theme of journeys is very much a part of the Bible’s account of Jesus’ birth. Just think of these journeys, long and short, in chronological order: Mary travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth; Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem; Shepherds travel to the manger; Wise men from the East travel to the infant king; Mary, Joseph, and Jesus escape from Herod by journeying to Egypt; and then return.
Journeys are Advent kinds of venture – as everyone who’s ever travelled with children will know! Their ‘are we nearly there?’ is a really Advent question, perhaps amusing to parents when it comes 20 miles into a 200 mile journey, but representing the impassioned cry of scripture, ‘How long, O Lord, how long?’.
And journeys are vulnerable moments. This was especially so in the ancient world, where roads were beset with robbers and bandits. This vulnerability is perhaps most true of the most radical journey of all in the Christmas story, that of God coming to earth.
‘He came down to earth from heaven’. I’m slightly anxious not to give the impression that heaven is akin to a distant galaxy and that Jesus was some kind of early astronaut! The journey metaphor is imperfect. But this theme does at least talk about the vulnerability of leaving the glory of heaven and ‘descending’ to live a human life, walk in our shoes, and get his hands dirty.
And for God, too, this journey is one of Advent hope, with a hope fixed unswervingly and passionately on us. God hopes for our love, longs for our cooperation, looks for our response to his first move.
Our Advent journey is one we share with God, with the heroines and heroes of the first Christmas story, with countless worshippers down the ages, and with a world crying out for justice. Pray that our patient waiting will be rewarded by the renewal and encounter for which we long.
Journey ends! Where afar
Bethlem shines, like a star,
Stable door stands ajar.
Unborn Son of Mary,
Saviour, do not tarry!