All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.

And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, Davids ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.

He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.

She gave birth to her firstborn son.

She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

Luke 2:3-7 NLT

According to Google Maps the shortest route from Nazareth to Bethlehem is 145km.

And it's not flat. 

And Mary is pregnant. 

And there's no cars. 

And why are they making this trip?

Because the Romans said they had to. 

And when they got there, they didn't know anyone who would put then up even though this was where Joseph's family came from. 

I wonder if Mary's pregnancy had anything to do with that. 

There's zero tinsel in this trip. 

There's no joy here (until the baby is born anyway).

For many Christmas can be joyless. It's full of memories that would happily be forgotten, relationships that have hurt, reminders of loss, grief. 

For many it's lonely. 

The very idea of going "home" is elusive. 

Many around the world are living in war zones, and for some the place they live resembles one too. The Romans, those with power, are making the rules. 

And the baby is born. 

And hope arrives, hope in a future where connection is restored, where shalom, peace is restored, where every tear is wiped away. 

Hope arrives in the smallest and most vulnerable of packages from a God who doesn't want to be without us...

#hope