The Sounds of the Season: Part 3 – The Journey to Bethlehem
Footfalls echoing in the story, Mary and Joseph, move in pained journeying to Bethlehem. This is a journey through hope, through doubt, and through discomfort—a way that leads to the fulfillment of prophecy.
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” (Luke 2:4-5, KJV).
All was not smooth in the way to Bethlehem. The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem is some seventy miles—by any standard, not a small journey for a lady in the advanced stages of pregnancy, undertaken by foot or donkey. The travelers would have suffered the discomforts of travel, uncertainty about finding shelter, and the physical strain on both Mary and Joseph.
Let’s only imagine the emotions of Mary and Joseph. For Mary, the physical discomfort from this kind of trip while pregnant must have been a real toll on her body; yet faith and knowledge of the significance of her child kept her strong.
The care and protection of Mary would have been a very heavy responsibility for Joseph. He was not only to take care of his betrothed but also to care for the Messiah he had been given. He went ahead, but careful planning, provision of food and water, vigilance against dangers that existed on the road, were all involved in such a journey. Still, Joseph’s faithfulness to God’s command and his love for Mary drove him forward.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, ESV).
What a beautiful saying, exactly to the point of what was going on with Mary and Joseph. They purposed to go to Bethlehem and God established their steps. Every new step brought them closer to the great fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation for people. Their journey is a living testimony that inasmuch as we lay down our plans, it is God who determines our steps.
Theirs was the fulfillment of prophecy. The prophet Micah, for example, spoke of the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
It was in this obedience and perseverance that the prophecy found fulfillment. Their journey would have testified to how much they believed in the promises of God and how much they were ready to take part in His plan.
We identify with Mary and Joseph’s journey. We journey through life in faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s leading. One can almost hear their footsteps in that journey toward Bethlehem as our very acts of faith and travel are done now. We take comfort in the fact that, in every doubt or difficulty that comes our way, God is with us to direct our steps towards the fulfillment of His promise for us.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV).
This scripture invites us to trust and be confident in God’s program and leadership, as much as Mary and Joseph did. Their journey was one filled with faith and being faithful, just as we are required to do in our life. As we prepare for this coming Christmas season, let us remember the journey to Bethlehem and the profound faith that carried Mary and Joseph through their trials.
The sounds of footsteps during our holiday preparations can remind us of Mary and Joseph’s journey. Through their faith and endurance, they were taken to Bethlehem, where the greatest gift for humankind was born. Let their example inspire us to walk in faith and trust this Christmas, knowing that God’s footsteps will lead ours to His divine purpose. It was a journey to Bethlehem, not only along the physical roads but with faith, hope, and expectation; to the greatest promise coming true.
All teachings are prayerfully written by Daniel Glasco, utilizing available resources to faithfully present biblical truth and discipleship encouragement.