“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
The road is long between Nazareth and Bethlehem. Approximately 90 miles of desert wilderness. No motels, no rest areas, no fast-food restaurants… at least not in the days of first-century Israel. The average trip would take about seven days depending on the travelers, probably a bit longer if you were “great with child” (Luke 2:5) as was Mary, the soon-to-be mother of Jesus.
Assuredly, Joseph walked alongside his expectant wife, careful that she was comfortable, leading her as she (hopefully) rode atop a small donkey, helping both negotiate the difficult spots in the road. On and on they went toward the city of David to be taxed according to the law. There were many miles to go.
They probably traveled through the flatlands of the Jordan River valley, then west through the Judean wilderness and over the hills surrounding Jerusalem. As they continued past Jerusalem, they would go by the area known as the “shepherds’ fields,” the place where lambs were raised for temple sacrifice. Its stone watchtower, standing as a sentinel over the flocks, was where the newborn lambs were swaddled and protected… just as Jesus would soon be. These fields, located just on the outskirts of Bethlehem proper, would have given the couple great relief as they realized that their destination was in sight. And so they continued.
Later that night, Joseph and Mary would return to the fields and the Migdal Eder, the “tower of the flock,” to welcome the Son of God into the world because there would be no place for them to stay in the city itself. It is here the angels would announce the birth to the priestly shepherds, and they would go and find Jesus. “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12) The shepherds would know exactly where to go. The Migdal Eder. The place where the sacrificial lambs were born. “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)
It was now a time to rejoice! Jesus was born! The promised Messiah had come! But the road didn’t end here. It would continue on for the next 33 years to a place where an old rugged cross would be raised, and the tiny, sinless baby born that night and placed in a manger would be crucified for the sins of the entire world. It was truly a long road, but Jesus, the Lamb of God, chose to walk it for you and for me all the way to Calvary.
“While we were yet sinners, ”God gave us the greatest gift that night – His Son.
On the night Christ was born,
Just before break of morn,
As the stars in the sky were fading,
O’er the place where He lay,
Fell a shadow cold and gray
Of a cross that would humble a King.
Born to die upon Calv’ry,
Jesus suffered my sin to forgive;
Born to die upon Calv’ry,
He was wounded that I might live.
(from “Born to Die” by Ron Hamilton)
“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
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Walking with Jesus is the best way to travel!