As Christmas draws near, God places before us a road - a simple though sometimes difficult road - leading to one small town. “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least” (Micah 5:2). Many walk toward this place in the days surrounding Christmas. Some complete the journey and find Jesus with ease. Some only after a long search. Some miss Him entirely. The reason for this is not due to the differences in our own respective journeys, but the posture of our hearts.
The Shepherds have the shortest journey. They are simple people, shaped by long nights beneath the heavens. Their lives unfold outdoors, where prayer comes naturally because wonder does. They know the rhythm of creation - the breath of animals, the words hidden in the wind, the silence of night, the turning of the stars. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). Their prayer is not polished, but it is constant. When the angel appears, they are afraid - but ready. “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place” (Luke 2:15). Their journey is not long - minutes, perhaps hours - because prayer has already prepared them. They do not need to be convinced; they only need to respond. And when they arrive, they find exactly what was promised. God reveals Himself swiftly to those who already live in awe.
The Wise Men travel the farthest. Learned men from the East, they seek God through the pursuits of the mind. They study the stars, entertain the wise and accomplished, know the prophecies buried within ancient texts in their vast libraries. “A star shall come forth from Jacob” (Numbers 24:17). Their road is long and costly - crossing deserts, enduring uncertainty, and navigating a political trap set by a false king. They encounter Herod, who knows the prophecy but does not love the truth. Still, the Magi persist. They teach us that if you seek God with the intellect, you will find Him - but not quickly, and not without surrender. Knowledge alone can guide you only so far. It is in Bethlehem, kneeling before a child, that the journey is complete. “They prostrated themselves and did Him homage” (Matthew 2:11). The mind leads them to the door; the heart must step inside.
Mary shows us another way - the most complete way. She unites prayer and understanding, wonder and wisdom. She exemplifies the simple wisdom of the shepherds and knowledge of the Magi. When Gabriel greets her, she is not ignorant of what is being asked. She knows the Scriptures. She recognizes the prophesy and the promise. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son” (Isaiah 7:14). And yet she does not argue. “Be it done unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). Mary is learned, but she is also receptive. She ponders. “She kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). She does not merely go to Bethlehem - which means 'house of bread' in Hebrew - she carries the bread of Bethlehem within her. This is the Marian path: to seek God with the mind and to receive Him in prayer, until Christ is no longer only encountered, but embodied. Over time, we become what we behold. “Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning” (Proverbs 14:33).
Joseph walks beside Mary in silence, yet his presence is strong and steady. Scripture calls him “a righteous man” (Matthew 1:19) - just not in word alone, but in action. His justice is gentle, rooted in mercy, shaped by obedience. When God speaks, Joseph listens. When the angel comes to him in dreams, he rises without hesitation. “Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him” (Matthew 1:24). He asks no questions aloud, offers no recorded words, yet his prayer is constant because his life is surrendered. Joseph teaches us that holiness does not require recognition - only faithfulness. In his simplicity, he becomes protector, provider, and shield, standing between Mary and her Child and every danger. “The Lord is a shield for those who take refuge in Him” (Proverbs 30:5). Like Mary, Joseph does not merely go to Bethlehem; he guards the mystery unfolding there. He walks beside Mary and Jesus not as one who understands everything, but as one who trusts completely.
And then there are Herod and his soldiers, who I must mention as a warning and example to guard against. They seek Bethlehem too. They know the prophecy. They consult the scholars. “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet” (Matthew 2:5). But their will is disordered. They do not pray. They do not adore. They seek Christ not to worship Him, but to use - or destroy - Him. And so they miss Him. God cannot be found by those who refuse humility. “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile” (Psalm 94:11). Bethlehem is invisible to a heart bent inward on itself.
As we approach the final hours of Advent and prepare for the coming of Christ, these travelers walk beside us. We must ask ourselves: which road am I on? Do I marvel at creation like the shepherds? Have I sought God with my mind like the wise men? Do I pray, ponder, and receive like Mary? Do I seek justice and mercy, trusting in the Wisdom of God like Joseph? Or am I looking for Jesus for my own purposes, my own control?
If we commit to seeking Him rightly - with wonder, with intellect, and with prayer - I promise you this: the child Jesus will not merely come to you. Like Mary, He will begin to dwell within you. And you too will learn to ponder the wonder of the Lord in your heart.
Wishing you a blessed and holy Christmas.