The Road to Bethlehem – Mary’s Song

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

Do we really think about Mary as a young girl traveling to Bethlehem?  The title of this series comes from this song.  Anyone of the first century who knew Jewish theology knew that the Messiah would come.  It is one thing to anticipate an event.  It is wholly another to be thrust in the midst of it.

This young woman would face a gauntlet of hope and challenges.  Her journey from Galilee to Bethlehem would only be the first leg in a wandering that would eventually lead to the foot of a cross watching hope die for a moment. 

For her it is a son that she considers.  She forgets who he is at times.  She is a mother first and a faithful follower second.  As we journey with her to Bethlehem we need to remember that we know what she did not at this time.  We know about the Magi, the slaughter of the babies, and the flight into Egypt.   We know about the recognition of Simeon and Anna.   We know about the wedding at Cana.

Take a moment Dear Reader to be in the moment with Mary.   Put yourself on the road to Bethlehem find compassion for this amazing young girl whose attitude is to be the handmaiden of the Lord.  I would struggle with the hardship.  I would wonder where God is in a forced march to a strange town.

We must see in her turmoil the needs of others.  We must recognize the place of compassion called for in the moment and make it part of our Christmas celebration.  It is in the young woman that our hopes were carried.  It is her bowing that we rise.  “No fiction this fantastic and wild; a mother made by her own child.”

Ride with her to Bethlehem and offer some comfort is you can.  More importantly see yourself in her and find the joy it is to serve.  Here her song of joy even amidst the sorrow.

Mary’s Song - Petra

Hold that blanket closer Mary dear

All the world waits with you for your day

But for now the wind is cold and it's drear

And Bethlehem's still so far away

Do you remember the way you felt back then?

Joy and wonder filled your soul and when

The angel slipped away

You knew your life would never be the same

And now you're travelling, travelling on a road to Bethlehem

Wandering thoughts fly away

If you knew the road that lay ahead of Him

Would you break down and cry?

Your child is born to die

Feel that hand of strength upon your own

A husband's love that guides along the way

And as his understanding has grown,

His hopes too are centered on that day

For do you remember the way he looked back then,

Pain and sorrow filled his eyes until when

The angel came to say

The Savior's birth was meant to be this way

Think back on that promise you received

For him in whom the prophets long believed

Now belongs to you, you've been chosen too

But He's the One Who's gonna shine

We call His name Jesus, Immanuel

He'll save His people from sin and hell

And of His kingdom there will be no end

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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