The Road to Bethlehem
by Chaplain Jim Robinson
When I was a child I thought of the birth of Jesus in the stable in Bethlehem as the most blessed, happy, peaceful event that ever took place. In the light of eternity, of course, it was. What I didn’t understand then was the pathos surrounding the scene. Remember, Mary was engaged to Joseph and before they were married she found out that she was pregnant.
“Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a man who always did what was right: but he did not want to disgrace Mary publically, so he made plans to break the engagement secretly. While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus – Because He will save His people from their sins.’” Matthew 1:19-21 TEV
Can you imagine the stress and difficulty this young couple had when Joseph tried to explain to his friends and relatives what the angel had told him? He even had to say that it happened in a dream. Do you suppose anyone believed him? I doubt that anyone did except Mary’s relative, Elizabeth! She didn’t need any convincing from Joseph!
The Emperor Augustus ordered that all citizens of the empire had to register for the census (Luke 2). So Joseph and the pregnant virgin Mary had to make a trip to Bethlehem. Wouldn’t you know it – there were so many people in town that there was no room for them to stay in an inn. They probably felt fortunate to find a stable where they could have shelter and a little privacy. What a time for the baby to come when they were forced by circumstances to sleep in a stable. Then we learn from Luke 2:8-13 that the same night angels announced the birth of Jesus to some shepherds out watching their sheep. They were scared but responsive. Matthew 2 tells us that later some men from the East came to worship Jesus. Thus King Herod heard about it and was very upset. He finally gave orders to kill all boys under two years old in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. He wanted to be sure he got rid of this new child who might threaten his kingdom. You know of course, that Joseph and Mary had to leave in the night to take the child Jesus to Egypt where they stayed until Herod died. (Matthew 2:13-15)
The real nativity scene is wonderful, blessed and peaceful. However, for Mary and Joseph the road to Bethlehem was difficult and the fulfillment of the promise of Bethlehem would lead them through much pain and suffering. I am so aware of God’s presence and blessing at this wonderful season! I am also aware that the road of obedience to God can be difficult and painful. In a sense, Buffalo Ridge is my Bethlehem. There is room at the inn (Farm House) for you. There is room for hurting or tired Christian pastors, teachers and missionaries – for a variety of caregivers who need to get away and rest a while, to be re-inspired and have someone love them and pray with them that they might return to the battle refreshed and re-provisioned spiritually. It is so important that we be that Body against which, “The gates of hell shall not prevail..” (Matthew 16:18) Like Mary and Joseph, His Way Ministries has endured much stress, but we are standing because God gives us victory! There is room at the inn – at Buffalo Ridge – because you have remained faithful.
I realize that for many of you our circumstances have been confusing. I understand. It has been even more so for us. I am asking you to take a step in faith and respond to God in the spirit of thanksgiving by making a year-end gift to His Way Ministries. If you have already done so, I thank you, in the name of Jesus, for your generosity. The need is great here, and so are the opportunities to minister! Please make your year-end gift as generous as possible.