‘Mary’ Christmas to you and your loved ones
Sometimes the road less travelled is worth it.
For most Christians, December 25 is a special day, signifying the birth of Jesus Christ.
Some may debate the date but the biblical fact is that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary who was betrothed to Joseph.
Many people find that hard to believe. But Isaiah prophesied it centuries before. (Isaiah chapter 7 vs 14).
Interestingly, the Messiah’s birth place, according to Micah’s prophecy (Micah chapter 5 vs 1-2) was in Bethlehem in Judea.
Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth in Galilee.
The famous story explains how a census had been called and so Joseph and Mary had to trek to Bethlehem to register.
Many people possibly think that was “around the corner”. It wasn’t.
Nowadays you could hop on the Yitzhak Rabin highway (Route 6) and be there in two hours and 12 minutes.
It takes two hours and 55 minutes to take an alternate R90 route of 174km.
So, it’s not exactly terrain like that you’ll find in the Free State.
All those years ago it would have taken folk about four or five days to travel the 156km between the two towns.
The shorter route is very hilly, the longer one somewhat flatter, but easier to travel.
ALSO READ: A lighter look at the Christmas story … with Joseph
Fastest mode of transport was probably a horse drawn chariot.
But for Joseph and Mary their transport was more entry-level… a donkey.
So Mary, described as being heavily pregnant, has to hop on a donkey and travel a distance equivalent of that between Durban to Port Edward.
Clearly she was one tenacious woman.
Spare a thought for Joseph. While he probably should have been asking her if she wanted a foot massage, he instead asks his to take the trip.
Then … he can’t organise accommodation when they get there. (Joe, you had only one job!)
It all ended well enough, with the prophesied Messiah being born in Bethlehem who would go on to fulfill His mission on Earth.
And Mary, a brave woman of faith, more than played her part.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
