Time to continue the journey that starts with Mary and Joseph and leads to Christ himself
Luke 2:1-7 tells of a real journey at Christmas.
We heard recently that 300,000 rail commuters are affected by the 48-hour strike on Southern Railways. My young daughter was a little relieved it was England and not Scotland.
We can all be a little relieved when it does not affect us. Surely the rail drivers know that affecting others is the whole purpose of the exercise, in order to get what they want, for others?
Joseph and Mary made a real journey of a different kind when ordered by the Emperor to make a trip to Bethlehem for tax purposes.
Governments don’t change do they?!
The 90-mile journey from Nazareth would have been arduous on a donkey, travelling likely through Samaria and over difficult terrain.
Thankfully, they got there, just as the Gospels tell us. Not too soon to find room in the inn but, appropriately, in time to deliver Mary’s baby in Bethlehem as God promised.
That night of the birth the Angel proclaimed the good news of great joy to the Shepherds.
Luke 2:11 states:“For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. The Saviour and Anointed King, Jesus, has come from Heaven to Earth.”
Jesus made the journey, not only to the humble manger but all the way to the cross to save us from our sin with redeeming love.
Jesus made the journey to us that we may make the journey to heaven with him through trusting him and receiving Him alone as our Saviour and Lord. That will be a real journey!
The best journey we can make this Christmas is to the Christ of Christmas and without any delays.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2017.
Christmas services: Crieff Churches meet in James Square for carol singing at 3pm on Christmas Eve, with coffee and mince pies in Logos at 4pm.
Crieff Baptist Church has its candlelight service at 6pm on Christmas Eve; Christmas Day morning service, 10am10.45am; New Year’s Day morning service, 10.30am.
Jesus made the journey, not only to the humble manger, but all the way to the cross