The Path is made by walking…

We are on our Advent journey to Bethlehem to meet Baby Jesus…

This journey has been done over and over. Going back to the Bible, we see Mary and Joseph on the road to Bethlehem for the required census registration. We see the Magi, who set out on their journey following a star to find where Jesus was. Shepherds too, left their flock and went in haste to meet the new born.

They did this for they were people of hope and were longing for something. Like so many people in our world today, displaced, wandering but hoping…

There was no straight road for Mary, Joseph, the Magi or the Shepherds. Nor is there for us. Like those in the Christmas stories who listened, observed, followed where a dream, a star, a song led them, so with our path of life.

In the words of Pope Francis:

‘Advent is a continuous call to hope, it reminds us that God is present in history to lead it to its ultimate goal, to lead it to its fullness, which is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the “God-with-us”, God is not distant, he is always with us. God walks beside us to support us. He does not abandon us. He accompanies us through the events of our lives to help us discover the meaning of the journey the meaning of everyday life, to give us courage when we are under duress or suffering’.

Pause for thought:

Life is a constant Advent season, we are continually waiting to become, to discover, to complete, to fulfil. Advent is a journey into light where hearts are renewed and Christ is born anew within us.

Where am I on this journey to Bethlehem?