The Road to Bethlehem: Finding Purpose in the Journey
Children, Go Where I Sent Thee
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:1-5
The Detective's Perspective
I once heard a detective say that she looks at the evidence when examining a case but also thinks about what is not evident. The case is initially a story with holes, and her job is to fill in the gaps.
Reflecting on the Journey
As I read Luke 2:4-5, I see evidence of Mary’s and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, about 90 miles away, but I don’t have evidence of the complexities of their journey. This Advent season invites us to reflect not just on their destination but on their journey.
Questions About the Journey
What did they take with them? What did they leave behind? What kind of food did they pack, and how much did they pack? Since others were traveling to register for the census, who did they see on the way? What did they wear? What exact path did they take? Since there was no GPS or big green road signs, how did they know they were on the right track? Did Mary have to take frequent bathroom breaks? Been there, done that. How did they travel? Did they have a horse or donkey to ride? If Mary walked the entire way, did walking help with the delivery? My elders often say to pregnant loved ones, "Walk the baby out"—a way of using gravity to help with the delivery. What did it mean for them to "Go"?
Divine Expedition
While we know they took the journey, we don’t know what they experienced along the way. Mary’s and Joseph’s "Go" story is not simply a trip to Bethlehem to deliver baby Jesus. It is a story of obedience, endurance, and trust in God. Their trip was not about the census alone. It was a divine expedition.
Challenges
They needed to travel south along the flatlands of the Jordan River. They needed to travel west and tackle the steep, rugged hills that led them to Bethlehem. They needed to watch for the bears and lions known to roam the terrain and attack travelers. They needed to stay alert because of the bandits and robbers who ambushed travelers. They needed God with them on this journey.
Destination
The trip was mentally and physically taxing. However, Mary and Joseph completed the journey because their destination was greater than their difficulties. Their purpose was greater than the potential problems. Their possible struggles were worth their travel sacrifice. Because of their obedience, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace, the Great I Am, the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star—Jesus, the Light of the World—was born. Their "Go" story fulfilled the promise of a Savior coming to be with us.
Lessons from the Journey
Mary and Joseph’s journey reflects life. It reminds us that a God-led journey is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Like them, we may face rough terrain, unknown dangers, and moments of doubt, but God is with us. Psalm 23:4 assures us, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
"Go" Stories
I’m reminded of my 5th great-grandmother, Louisa. God told her to “Go” when she left the Mississippi Delta region for St. Louis, where she served as an abolitionist. I think of the formerly enslaved preacher, Rev. John Meachum Berry, who trusted God’s voice to build a floating school on the Mississippi River when Missouri outlawed teaching Black children on its soil. I imagine God telling formerly enslaved Priscilla Baltimore to “Go,” and she founded two churches. God tells me to go often. Sometimes, I willingly go. Other times, I begrudgingly say, “OK.” Sometimes, I say, “No.” I’m a work in progress.
Reflecting During Advent
Advent calls us to reflect on Jesus’ birth and how God has guided us through our journeys. Some have listened to God’s call, started a ministry, moved to unfamiliar places, served their community, or cared for an aging loved one. Reflect on your journey—the successes, failures, highs, and lows—and tell someone your "God said Go" story. These testimonies are not just for our own encouragement but also for encouraging others.
Connection
If you struggle to connect with God, spend time praying, reading scriptures, fasting, and sharing your time, talent, and treasures. The connection will strengthen. When God calls you to “Go,” trust God to provide the strength and guidance you need for the journey.
Faithful Examples
As we consider what it means to “Go,” let’s remember the faith and courage of those who came before us:
Go with the faith of Mary and Joseph.
Go with the fortitude of Sarah Allen.
Go with the fierceness of Paul Quinn.
Go with the strength of Jarena Lee.
Go with the fearlessness of Denmark Vesey.
Go with the power of Henry McNeal Turner.
Go with the persistence of Ida B. Wells.
Go with the courage of Rosa Parks.
Go with the grace of Dr. Judith Jamison.
Go with the fire of Dr. Renita Weems.
And most importantly, Go with the love of Jesus.
Trust that if God sends you, God will go with you every step of the way. When we step out in faith, trusting God’s call, we may not know every step of the journey, but we can trust the One who leads us.
Children, Go Where I Send Thee!
Prayer
Dear God of all journeys, Give us the courage to follow where You lead. May we trust Your guidance and walk with faith, knowing You are with us every step of the way. Amen.
Children, Go Where I Send Thee - Spelman College Glee Club