The most epic Christmas journey of all time

The Christmas rush—flights are full, trains are overloaded, and roads are chock-a-block. Christmas prompts many of us to embark on annual migrations, some heading home while others venture away. This is part of Christmas traditions, but unlike others, this tradition traces its roots back to the very first Christmas.

When we read the Christmas narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, we find people travelling. Yes, they were travelling even then! We see Mary and Joseph journeying to Bethlehem, the wise men coming from the east, and the shepherds making a short trip.

Each of these journeys is unique, telling a story of its own. They not only reveal the context of Jesus’ birth but also highlight the purpose of his birth. Yet, at the same time, these journeys are not so different from the journeys we take today. Each of our journeys has a purpose, motivated by certain desires and accompanied by various apprehensions.

Mary and Joseph’s Journey to Be Counted

Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem to participate in the census decreed by the Roman Emperor. This royal decree was enough to compel them—they could not afford to disobey. Yet, they had every reason to be apprehensive—Mary was heavily pregnant, and her delivery was imminent. Imagine travelling under such circumstances! But they had no choice; such was the authority of Rome.

The Wise Men’s Starry Journey

The wise men, on the other hand, travelled of their own free will. They saw a star, interpreted its divine meaning, and journeyed to worship the new King. Their motivation was their desire to honour the eternal King. The uncertainty of the journey and the treachery of King Herod posed significant challenges. Yet they pressed on, driven by the hope symbolised by the star.

The Shepherds’ Short Trip

The shepherds also travelled—just a short trip from the outskirts of the village to the cattle shed where Jesus was born. They were inspired by a heavenly invitation delivered by the angelic host. Despite potential fears for their sheep or the shock of such a celestial encounter, their spiritual curiosity and hunger led them to the Messiah.

The Journey of Incarnation

While Mary and Joseph obeyed the authorities, the wise men were driven by hope, and the shepherds responded to divine revelation, Jesus’ journey stands apart. It was not a mere physical transit from one place to another. Jesus’ journey was the Incarnation—a humbling descent from his divine glory into human vulnerability.

He chose to live a life filled with hardship, betrayal, and even a criminal’s death. But why did he endure all this? What motivated him?

The Epistle to the Philippians (chapter 2) portrays Christ’s self-sacrifice, while the Gospel of John (chapter 3) points to God’s immense love as the source of this journey. In Luke 19:10, Jesus himself explains his purpose:

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Are You Lost?

He came to save the lost. But who are the lost? If we look around—and within—we see that each one of us is lost. We live broken lives, often masking our struggles with a façade of progress. Beneath the surface, every life carries its own heartache.

Jesus came so that, through him, we may rediscover our true identity. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus transforming lives, enduring suffering for our sake. He had no personal gain in mind—his only concern was you and me. It still is.

The shepherds and wise men came from different backgrounds, representing diverse social statuses. Yet they were united in their faith and willingness to take the journey they were called to. Likewise, each of us is on a journey, with our own motivations and apprehensions.

This Christmas, let us reflect on our response to the journey Jesus invites us to take.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

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Shashank S. Rawat hails from the city of Joy and works with the Union of Evangelical Students of India.