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

He Had to Go through Samaria

Today, I took the road north through Samaria with friends. The modern road follows the ancient Patriarchs' Highway. As we traveled along enjoying the beautiful countryside, I remembered those who had traveled the road before me. We can safely assume that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob traversed the highway that honors their roles.

Jesus must have traveled the road on several occasions. Certainly, he surprised his disciples when "he had to go through Samaria" (John 4:4). The road most traveled by Jews was the Jericho Road and then up the Jordan River Valley, bypassing Samaria.

As we came to Sychar, we found one of the most beautiful churches in the entire country encompassing Jacob's Well. Drawing from the well, we tasted the purest water. While doing so, I could not help but remember the story of the woman at the well and Jesus. It was for her and the Samaritans that Jesus had to go through Samaria, providing living water.

On this day, I am thankful that we too took the road through Samaria. Most tourists and pilgrims shy away from Samaria, but perhaps it is time that they too should go through Samaria.

Note: why not click on the photo to enlarge it?