The Long Road?
The journey to Bethlehem wasn’t made by choice. It was imposed. Joseph had to go in order to register for the census and prepare for the final step in their marriage. Mary, very much ready to give birth, had to go as well or suffer the social awkwardness still apparent in Nazareth.
This would be no easy trip. Bethlehem was nearly 100 miles from Nazareth over hills and valleys. The route would have followed Roman and Jewish trading route where the possibility of thieves was a real concern.
Once again, God’s prophecy is being fulfilled without anyone knowing it. It shouldn’t be lost on anyone that God didn’t spare Mary or Joseph the hardship of the road.
Imagine the road. Fatigue and pain, silence of the walk broken by wind. Mary knowingly carrying the weight of God’s promise. Joseph responsible for her safety. Neither knowing when, where or how the birth would happen.
There are no angels leading, no miracle shortcuts… just hard obedience by the two. But all the circumstances are leading both to a foretold event that would change the world. Mary and Joseph do not hear the prophecy echoing beneath their steps… but heaven does.
Here Rome thinks it is counting people, but the reality is God is keeping a promise. Ceasar, who believes he rules the world, has unknowingly provided the precise venue for the Birth of Christ.
“but you Bethlehem Ephrathah…”
We may not know where the road will take us
…but God does…
