Journey to Bethlehem

Kathisma Ruins Near Bethlehem

After passing through Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph continued south toward Bethlehem.  Nearing the village, Mary became weary and they stopped to rest.

According to the Protoevangelium of James, the couple rested at a site which became known as Kathisma, Greek for "seat."  Nearby was a well from which Mary drank.  Later in the Christmas story, the Wise Men camped near the well, and legend said that it was here that they saw the guiding star once again.

Centuries passed before the Byzantines built a church commemorating this tradition.  For even more years, the site was lost upon the destruction of the church.  The present-day ruins were revealed only when a new road was constructed.  The site awaits further restoration but can be seen on the east side of the highway between Ramat Rachel and Mar Elias.

Kathisma is worth a stop along your journey to Bethlehem.  The church was octagon-shaped and unusually layered.  At the center of the third layer stood a column which identified the spot where Mary rested from the burdens of her difficult journey. 

The Places and People of Christmas

Over the next few blogs, let's consider the places and people of Christmas.  At the heart of the story are Mary and Joseph.  As for place, Luke has the betrothed couple in Nazareth.  Matthew assumes that they are already in Bethlehem.

If we follow Luke, there is a week-long, eighty-mile journey ahead of them.  The main question in those days was what route to take.  Pious Jews from Nazareth had several options including the Via Maris, the Jordan River Valley, or the Patriarchs' Highway.  While some scholars would discount the option through the central part of the country and through Samaria, the most logical route for Mary and Joseph was the ancient Patriarch's Highway.

I have traveled this way only twice.  It is a most remarkable and challenging journey.  How much more so for an expectant mother.  For more information and photos of the course before the holy family, you can visit Welcome to Hosanna website.

http://www.welcometohosanna.com/LIFE_OF_JESUS/002_NazarethToBethlehem1.htm