The Journey to Bethlehem…

     In our travels, thus far, we've gotten to know Mary, Jesus' mother, a bit better. A young girl of adolescent age from a tiny town of poor shepherds and farmers is hand-picked by God to bring forth the greatest gift to humanity. Consider, if you will, this story…God could have chosen anyone! There were wealthy, powerful people available, people of larger tribes…not the small and insignificant house of Jesse. God chose this young girl: powerless in her society, young and unaware of worldly ways. God chose her! God reached through the veil that separates human from divine and entered into the world through a fragile  and lowly vessel.

     And Mary's response…"Here am I, a servant of the Lord." Think for a moment on this possibility. A young girl, engaged to be married in a first century culture is now pregnant. The penalty for this indiscretion could have been shame to her family and death by stoning. And her response is, "yes." God's call is answered. "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse…" Isaiah 11:1 and our understanding of Isaiah's predictions is this child, born among the cattle to this poor family is Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. 

     This is only the first leg of our Journey to Bethlehem. Each Sunday in Advent we gather at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall to study Adam Hamilton's, "The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem." Children, youth and adult join as one family of faith. We view the video portion which walks us through the Holy Land, visiting historical spots and exploring archeological treasures along the way. We delve into nuances of the original languages and how this adds meaning to the story. We enter into the story by gaining knowledge and wonder along the way. We take our place on the road and respond to God, "Here am I, a servant of the Lord."

     Won't you join us on this Journey? Come early for coffee, donuts and fellowship. Children are invited to color Christmas cards for residents of Bourbon Heights, our local elder care facility, while we view each week's lesson. After the video presentation we disperse to our respective classrooms for discussion and activities designed to enhance our learning experiences and deepen our understandings of this great event. 

Together, we will all arrive at the manger. 
Blessings,
Tracy