How far is it to Bethlehem? meditation: advent 3

Today we journeyed with many to see the child who is God come to dwell with us.  We have journeyed on camel and by foot for longer and shorter distances.  We journeyed with all of these people from the comfort of our pews.

Throughout the world, people are sharing this journey, wondering, “How far is it to Bethlehem?”  Some make the pilgrimage to the Church of the Nativity to worship in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, some to the nearest church building.  Last night Mary and Joseph walked down Mill Street.

In Mexico, the 9 days before Christmas, beginning this week, mark what is known as Las Posadas, during which the community gathers with Mary and Joseph, visiting different houses, requesting lodging—posada.  Through the sung exchanges at each house, those on the journey, those outside, ask for lodging and those inside deny it until, at the end, those inside recognize and welcomed in those on the outside.  Then everyone gathers—in a home or in the church, to pray around the nativity, sing Christmas carols, and break open a seven-pointed, star-shaped piñata. 

Different countries and cultures celebrate and commemorate Christmas in unique ways.  Our journey to Bethlehem took place today and will take place again soon.  In Palestine and Mexico they journey to Bethlehem in a different way and yet we all make the journey together.

We are all almost there—almost to Bethlehem and Christmas, and the closer we get, the more we remember—with both joy and sadness—those who have gone to Bethlehem with us in years past, and wonder at who will make that journey with us this year.  Though love is at the heart of this journey, it can be a sad one for those who are missing loved ones who’ve died, or ones who are away from home.

Yet these journeys we’re on are also the journey of Jesus.  The journey of God coming to Bethlehem, to be with us and the journey of Jesus, who walks with us along our paths of faith.  As we wonder what will come, Jesus wonders that as well.   Jesus wonders with us and walks with us.  We journey to the incarnation, the love of God come to dwell with us, as a baby in a feeding trough. 

God who walks with us is also God who shows up unexpectedly along the journey, as a baby, a stranger, a friend, and a loved one.  Jesus just keeps showing up for the journey, asking, “How far is it to Bethlehem?”