“Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go….”
Seems like there’s always travel over the holidays to visit those we love. But who traveled the farthest in the Biblical Christmas story? The Christmas story includes travel for quite a few people.
1.Mary and Joseph
First of all there was the journey that Mary and Joseph made from Nazareth to Bethlehem by donkey. Now that wasn’t an easy ride when you are 9 months pregnant! And of course sleeping in a barn on hay because there was no vacancy in an inn was a special treat as well!
2. The wise men from the east
Then there was the travel of the wise men who followed an extremely bright star because their GPS wasn’t working, evidently! These guys traveled by camel and again, not first class accommodations either. They came quite a distance from another country to Israel.
3. Jesus coming to earth.
Jesus existed with God from the beginning of creation. He just didn’t exist in human body form. Imagine the journey of God becoming a human being and going through birth and then living among us and then dying. Because Jesus was willing to put aside His godly attributes to become one of us is pure love. To take on a body was a huge demotion for an omnipresent God.
Hebrews 4:14-15 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Emmanuel means God with us. But it involves more than just being a buddy. He took on Himself every attribute of men. That is why He really cares and has compassion. He has walked in your shoes and been hungry and gotten tired and discouraged just like you. This is why He is compassionate Savior. This is why He cares and understands. This is why He came- to set us free. And He came to take us on a journey to heaven so we could live with God forever. He came for you. So Jesus traveled the farthest to come to earth.
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