December 24: Journey to Bethlehem
Traditional Ornament: Donkey, Sandals
Reading: Luke 2: 1-5
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.” (Luke 2:1)
Luke’s gospel is the only place that we find the details of Jesus’ birth. At the end of her pregnancy, Mary and Joseph are called to travel to Bethlehem to be enrolled in a census. The journey takes place because of a political decree, but make no mistake this is God’s plan in action.
The theme of the journey is significant. Joseph and Mary journey to Bethlehem where their baby will be born. The shepherds in the fields journey in haste to the stable after a visitation from a host of angels. In Matthew’s gospel, we read that the magi journey, following a star, that led them to the Christ child, whom they honor. And, on this Christmas Eve, we come to the end of our Advent journey.
All of these journeys lead to the same place – the coming of Jesus Christ into the world and into our lives. But the journey does not end there. When we meet Jesus, our Savior, He takes us on another journey back to the Father.
© 2017 Catechist’s Aide
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