In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. Luke 2: 1,4-5 ESV

In Luke, it only takes 5 verses for Mary and Joseph to get from their hometown of Nazareth to Bethlehem. There are very few details in the Biblical accounts, but the actual trek, because they were probably having to walk, was about 90 miles! The journey would have been difficult. Probably taking 4 to 5 full days of walking. But we have to remember that Mary was pregnant in her last months. So, it could have taken even longer at a slower pace for Mary. Many pictures show Mary riding a donkey. And I’d like to think that Joseph walked and led a donkey for Mary to ride. Perhaps the other women in the group also helped look after her.

Travelers in that time and place would have traveled in a large group to discourage robbers who picked on lone travelers. They would have looked out for each other. They would have traveled through hilly terrain, the Judean desert, and forested valleys. They had to carry their own food and water. And if it was in the winter, they probably had rainy days.

The journey was long, difficult and exhausting. But God was with them as they traveled and got them safely to Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph found no rooms available to stay in when they got to Bethlehem. But accepted the humble stable offered them, with the animals to help keep the space warm.

Sometimes my journey seems to be long, difficult and exhausting, but like Mary and Joseph, I know that God is with me. Giving me strength and comfort, hope and peace.

This Christmas season remember to not only thank God for the amazing gift of Jesus our Savior, but also thank Him for being with us on our journey. We accept the offer of His everlasting love and pass it on to others we meet along the way in this journey called “life.”

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we share our journey with God at our side, as did Mary and Joseph.

Blessings and safe travels on your journey!