Journey to Bethlehem Guide
Introduction
People came to Bethlehem on that first Christmas from many places. They came from high places and low places. From full places and empty places. From comfortable places and lonely places. All came, hoping to find something: Peace, welcome, joy, the wonder that they needed, the love that they longed for. As we meet these people on their journey to Bethlehem, think about your own journey:
From what place are you coming?
What made you decide to come?
What do you hope to find?
Station #1--The Wise Men Location: Midway United Methodist Church, 220 W Bruen St.
Matthew 2:1-2: In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’
The wise men, or magi, were astrologers from the East. Their land was the land of ancient Babylon, an ancient foreign empire. They were strange and different. They did not speak the language or worship the same god. Yet, they knew that something cosmic was happening. It was written in the stars. A king had been born to the people of Israel. And not just any king, but a king announced by the universe itself. The magi needed to see this for themselves, to witness what had such significance for the whole entire universe.
We pray for those who are traveling and those who are strangers. We pray for those who seek God, who become foreigners, immigrants, and refugees for the sake of hope.
Station #2—Mary and Joseph Location: Midway Presbyterian Church, Turner and W Bruen St.
Luke 2: 1-5: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
Mary and Joseph were required to travel to Bethlehem for a census. The Roman government demanded it. Their participation was necessary. It was inconvenient to say the least, but what could they do? They were at the mercy of a world commanded by kings and emperors. So here they were, leaving the comfort of Nazareth for Bethlehem. Exposed to bad weather, difficult roads, possible attacks by bandits, and hoping they would find a place to stay when they got there. They would be dependent on the kindness of strangers and the grace of God, especially if their baby arrived while they were there. All they could do was travel to Bethlehem in faith, hoping that the Lord would provide.
We pray for those who are vulnerable, for families that are stressed, for children without support. We pray for those going forth in faith, trusting that God will take care of them.
Station #3—Shepherds Location: St. Matthew AME, 112 S Winter St.
Luke 2:8-14 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’
The shepherds were in the fields outside of the town of Bethlehem. Caring for sheep was not glamorous. It was difficult, dirty, and smelly work. True, a shepherd was the symbol of protection and care. Kings referred to themselves as shepherds. But BEING a shepherd meant long hours outside, sleepless nights, and dirt under your nails. It meant braving the cold and the rain and being on guard against wild animals. Plus the pay wasn’t that great. Our shepherds in Bethlehem were working the graveyard shift, when suddenly angels appear to THEM. They sing heavenly anthems to THEM. They announce a Savior has come for THEM. The good news was for THEM first.
We pray for the laborers. For essential workers and minimum wage earners. For delivery drivers, checkout clerks, CNAs, janitors, restaurant servers, plumbers, and city workers. For all doing the hard work, that few notice, but all appreciate.
Station #4—Manger Location: Midway Christian Church, 123 E Bruen St.
Luke 2:15-18: When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem. And he was laid in a manger because there was no room for him and his family at the inn. He was not born in a warm, clean house; but in place meant for livestock. He was not laid in a crib in a cozy palace, but in a manger. True, he was announced by angels, proclaimed by the stars above, yet he came into the world small and vulnerable and in need. This is God with us. This is our mysterious and unknowable God, born to be our Savior, appearing in an animal shed in a little country town, wrapped up in a tiny bundle, a gift to the world.
We pray for all who have come to Bethlehem. May we find love and peace. May we discover the joy. May all who are weary, anxious, and in need of some good news find Emmanuel, God with us is here.