Rhonda Reese Purtee

When you look at the Advent/Christmas story, its interesting to notice how much of that story involves travel. Mary and Joseph had to leave home and travel to Bethlehem. The shepherds had to leave their fields and travel into town. Forty days after his birth, Mary and Joseph traveled to the Temple to present Jesus, as the Torah instructed, for the redemption of the firstborn (Candlemas on the Christian calendar, Feb 2nd.) The Magi traveled a great distance from the east to worship Jesus (Epiphany on the Christian Calendar, Jan. 6th.) Someone is always moving from their current location throughout the whole Advent/Christmas season.   

We should probably consider the possibility that this season may also require us to travel, to move from where we are currently located. I’m not talking about in the physical/literal sense (although that may be part of it,) but spiritually – will this coming of the Christ require us, require me to move from where I am right now? Almost certainly, yes!  

Are you ready to travel somewhere new this year? Are you willing to follow, wherever the road may lead? It may not always be comfortable, and it may not always be quick, but the destination will absolutely be worth the challenge of the journey.