Tuesday, December 16, 2014.
Google tells me that I am 24.8 miles away from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, about 47 minutes by car. From Nazareth in lower Gallilee to Bethlehem in the southern part of Judah, as the crow flies, is about 70 miles. Joseph and Mary plodding along the local trails with their burro probably had to cover about 90 miles, more or less. Mary, in the late stage of her pregnancy, was probably not moving very fast. Even with the burro's assistance it was maybe around a week each way.
It is heartening to remember that their story begins a chapter in those important books that chronicle the ancient journey of a people's faith that continues to wend its way through our present lives. Tell the story again! so we remember to hold it close during the times when brokenness visits; when it cannot be ignored.
Yesterday, nearby violence visited six souls now gone from the earth, and a seventh who clings to life today. Violence in all its forms and injustice is visiting in ways that torture the mind. While preparing for Christmas that celebrates goodness and justice, we can recall that Mary and Joseph were heeding the mandate of Ceasar's realm to register themselves for taxation by their oppressor. Their beautiful Son would reach maturity, fulfill storied ancient promises; then, His story would end in violence that brings into brilliant relief the enormous love that transcended it all; that still transcends all the violence, brokenness and injustice there is.
May we all gather strength from that eternal love to bring Him forth in our lives to forgive, rebuild and strengthen again and again and again.
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I know some of you follow differing spiritual paths and quests; yet, I hope you are warmed by the universality of the love that I feel is present in all our lives.
Tonight we'll all go as a family to the high school to attend a vigil and remembrance. Keoni will play music, that universal language, with some of his musician school friends during the observations.
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