The Way to Bethlehem
Luke Chapter 2 verses 1-6
Matthew Chapter 1, verses 20-21
So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, he town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was carrying a child.
Joseph reluctantly takes Mary with him to Bethlehem and they travel by day and rest by night. One night Joseph awakens quickly from a dream, an angel has appeared to him in the dream and tells him that Mary is carrying the Messiah.
But on waking he refuses to believe and will not accept that Mary does know the truth.
The wise men have gathered in Judea and decided not to approach King Herod. They have seen that the stars are aligning to be over Bethlehem and are aware that the predictions from many years ago are coming true and the Saviour will be born in the city of David.
They journey on secret across Judea to Bethlehem, leaving their servants to return to Persia straight away.
In the fields the shepherds are watching there sheep and talking amongst themselves about having to pay taxes and if one day a Saviour will come for them.
The alignment is starting to be closer and the journeys of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds in the fields and the travels of the wise men are all leading to Bethlehem , along with the alignment of Jupiter, Saturn and Regulus.
Rev’d Sue Martin – Diocese of Norwich