Advent Journeys 4

Sunday 22nd December 2024

This is the fourth and final of our Advent Journeys. In it, we remember when the Shepherds’ journey from their fields to Bethlehem.

As usual, we will follow the Four Steps of Pilgrimage, consisting of images and thoughts for meditation. On a practical note, there is no set time to start or finish. The pilgrimage can be completed in a few minutes, or alternatively can be periodically revisited later on.

Step [1] - Holy Longing

First of all, you are invited to read Luke chapter 2.8-20. Here we read of the Shepherds’ response to the angelic visitation. Interestingly, although the Shepherds probably didn't perceive it as such, their journey has all the elements of a pilgrimage.

The first step is prompted by new thoughts or experiences, that are in some way challenging. And so it was with them, causing them to exclaim "Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened." Which is perhaps not surprising when you think of all that had just happened.

Step [2] - Pilgrim Journey

This is the step where you review and reflect on your thoughts and experiences.

Google Maps informs me that it is a distance of 4.6 km, taking 12 minutes by car, 50 minutes by foot and 24 minutes by bicycle.

However, the map does seem to show that a more direct route is possible, which would have shortened the distance significantly.

Once again, as with Mary on her journeys, we don't know exactly which way they would have taken. Also, apparently, there is debate as to exactly where the Shepherds’ field would have been. Nonetheless, it would have been from somewhere similar to the place in the picture.

The important thing is that the Shepherds responded to what God had revealed to them, by making the necessary journey. For myself, I have found that years of familiarity with this story deadens its impact. It is a journey I need to keep making myself.

Part of the problem may be that we become over familiar with the scene, both from Christmas cards and also from serious works of art.

But in our reading, we learn that:

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

That is an intense emotion! Have you ever been terrified?

However, the angel said there was no need to be afraid! Perhaps easier said than done, particularly as the angel then went on to give them some astounding news.

  • About a baby.

  • In a manger.

  • Who was the awaited Messiah!

A message reinforced by a great company of other angelic beings. No wonder they hurried on the journey!

Step [3] - Prayerful Arrival

Your reflections on the journey become formulated into definite ideas and prayers.

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

At the end of their journey the Shepherds encountered God, in the person of the baby Jesus.

Take time to pray about your own encounters with God, on your own journey.

Step [4] - Servant Response

This is the practical application of what you have learnt from your pilgrimage through the Scriptures.

The Zuwadeh Beit Sahour restaurant, marked on the map above.

Afterwards, unsurprisingly, the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Out of curiosity, I did a little research as to whether there are any legends or stories of what happened to the shepherds. I couldn't find anything in particular.

However, I found the question posed "What did the shepherds do after they had visited Jesus?" One reader responded "I think they went and got something to eat."

Flippant maybe. But in time, life must have continued at a more subdued level. Nevertheless, such an intense encounter probably would have always been evident in their lives. Perhaps sharing it even in routine circumstances such as restaurants.

I pray that our own encounter with God, in Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit, would be something we can share, whatever the circumstances.