Travelers

December 20, 2007

By William E. Richardson

"Let us now go to Bethlehem" (Luke 2:15, NKJV).

Christmastime travel -- it's part of the season, as much as the decorations, the gifts and the music. The travel aspect of Christmas clearly predates celebrating with tinsel, trees and carols.

The people in the Christmas story had to travel. There's Joseph and Mary's mandatory trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the shepherds coming in from the fields following the angel's directions and the Wise Men's two-year journey.

Let's look at some contrasts and comparisons between 2,000 years ago and today.

Roads are better developed these days, although more hazardous. We no longer travel at a donkey's pace; on our interstate highways, we fly like the wind at speeds above 70 miles per hour. Some of us ride the rails and the skies at faster speeds.

Today, we get where we're going not by following a star or an angel's words, but with maps, perhaps MapQuest, perhaps GPS, knowing the route and how soon we should complete it.

From Nazareth and from "the east" to Bethlehem, they traversed difficult terrain. With improved roads, we're more likely to wend our way through inclement weather.

We resemble those first Christmastime travelers more than we may think. You'll see your reflection in one of the following groups.

Some of us are heading toward the warmth of the true Christmas message. Like the shepherds, we've heard heaven's voice, we've seen heaven's light, we've reached the door. This Christmas, we bow our heads and our hearts in worship.

Others, like the Wise Men from the East, are heading toward Christmas, seeking. Many have traveled a long distance in their search. With the joy of the Wise Men seeing the star again, some will realize they've found the answer to their questions. They'll present themselves to God.

Some, like most in Bethlehem long ago, know only the hustle-bustle of the Christmastime environment. They pass the stable -- viewing nativity scenes on cards, in public displays, in live church programs -- yet miss the importance of the birth.

We're all travelers. We're all traveling toward Christmas. We'll stop to either worship, to end our search for meaning or to pause then pass by, unaffected.

Where are you today as you move toward Christmas? Do you need to slow your pace? Do you need to focus more on the Baby in the crib who became the Savior on the cross?

-- William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.