Conversations on the way to Bethlehem

Play Song “The Little drummer”

Recently, we had the opportunity to travel the road that takes to Bethlehem. Of the two possible roads, it is quite sure that Yosef and Mariam took the easier one. Descending from Nazareth to the Valley of Jezreel or Meguido and from there taking the road along the Jordan Valley. A journey of approximately 157 km or 97 miles. The first leg, Nazareth to Jericho would be almost flat. From Jericho to Jerusalem, the hardest portion, would mean ascending 3500 feet; and from Jerusalem descending to Bethlehem.

They had plenty of time to talk along the way. Although we do not certainly know what they talked about, we can use our imagination and think the possible topics.

Between Yosef and Mariam.

Regarding the Census and the Romans.

- Yosef, why did we have to come to Bethlehem now? Don’t you think that we should have waited until our child were born?

- Mariam, that was not our decision. The roman emperor has ordered a census and we must register.

- But why didn’t we register in Nazareth, Joseph?

- Because the emperor’s order is that everyone register must at the town he were born. Bethlehem is our town! At least we can visit some of our relatives.

- Surely, he wants to have control over our people and make sure we pay him tribute. Yosef, I do not know if I can make it; the child is almost nine months! Eight to ten days of walking is too much for me!

- Let’s go slowly, Mariam! We’ll stop every time you need to rest.

- Yosef, do you think that one day we’ll be free?

- We must believe the words of the prophets, Mariam! Do you remember what Samuel told about the Messiah? He said,

1 Chronicles 22:10 NASB95

‘He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’

- But when will he come? Until when Yosef?

- Mariam, God does not forget His promises!

Regarding the child in the womb.

- Yosef, I am still puzzled by this child! How is it possible if we were not married yet?

- If the angel had not talked to me and told me that you were not unfaithful, probably i would have left you! I always knew that you were a pure girl. That’s why God had grace for you!

- I would have name him like you or my father, but the angel clearly told me to name him Yeshua. It means Savior, and the angel told me that he would save our people from their sins. He also told me,

Luke 1:32–33 NASB95

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

Luk 1:32-33

- I wonder if he will be the Messiah! What do you think, Yosef?

- I do not know, Mariam, I do not know! Let’s continue on our way!

We also find others traveling to Bethlehem, but from the shepherding fields close to the village, the shepherds who were taking care of the flocks. What could have been their conversation?

Among the shepherds.

Regarding the angel’s announcement.

- The light scared the sheep a little, but they were suddenly calm. I had never seen anything like that. I thought I would die because I had seen an angel!

- I was really scared when I heard the voice from Heaven! I thought it was thunder, but then I could hear clearly. The voice said,

Luke 2:10–11 NASB95

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

- That’s the Savior our people has been waiting for long time, the Son of David! Let’s go and see Him!

- That’s the Savior our people has been waiting for long time, the Son of David! Let’s go and see Him!

- But what should we do with the flocks?

- Let’s round them up and let’s leave them in the caves!

Regarding the heavenly choir.

- Listen! What is that music?

- It is coming from Heaven! It’s praises from Heaven! More angels!

- They are praising God! Listen...

Luke 2:14 NASB95

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Luke 2:14

- They are gone! That was beautiful!

Let’s hurry up! Let’s put the sheep in the caves and let’s go see that child.

Another conversation would take place about 15 days later. This time on the way from Persia to Bethlehem. The conversation would be among the

Among the Magoi.

They were not magicians, but wise men from the orient who found out about the time of Messiah’s coming. Surely, they were talking about the star.

Regarding the star.

- Brethren, do we all agree that our studies show that this the ripe time for the Savior to be born.

- We do agree Melchior! Gaspar and I came to the same conclusion: the star of the east indicates the place. Let’s continue following its brightness!

- Just as God used the cloud and the flame to lead our people in the desert, the Almighty is using one of His stars to lead us to the right place.

- The prophecies also indicate that He would be born in Judea and that’s where the star seems to be leading us.

It is night again! Let’s not waste time! Let’s continue our trip!

Regarding the born king.

- What will happen to the actual king of Judea? What is his name?

- It’s Herod the Great, the one imposed by the Roman Empire.

- May he will abdicate to give the throne to the new king. Or maybe he will die before the time the child becomes a man.

- Peace is looming! The new king will bring peace to mankind!

- What are you bringing to Him Melchior?

- I am bringing several pieces of gold, the metal of royalty! It represents His deity and purity. And you Gaspar?

- I am bringing incense, the gift for a High Priest! It is for the fragrance of His life. How about you, Balthazar?

- I bring the best anointing oil, myrrh, for the Prophet, for He is the Prophet.

- Perfect! For He is King, Prophet, and Priest!

- We are almost arriving to Jerusalem! Let’s ask about him!

Matthew 2:2 NASB95

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

Mat 2:2

What have you come for? Is He your King? Is He your High Priest?