Joseph and Mary's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem might well have taken them to the Jordan Valley and along the Jordan. It would have been the warmer of the routes available to them. That would have been more comfortable for Mary.
The Jordan River meant a lot to Joseph and Mary. They knew about crossing the Jordan, according to the book of Joshua. They knew well the story of the Children of Israel coming to the Jordan early in their wilderness wonderings, and then not having the courage to trust the Lord and enter the Promised Land. Almost 40 years later they would come to the Jordan again, and under the trusted leadership of Joshua they would cross the river on dry ground into a land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:17b).
Little did they know the past would pale in comparison to the future. It would be in the Jordan that John the Baptist would be baptizing. It would be in the Jordan that John would baptize Jesus. It would be at Jesus' baptism that many would hear the voice of God: "This is my beloved Son" (John 3:17a). It was from the Jordan that Jesus would begin His ministry.
As we journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem this Advent, we, too, will do well to reflect upon our baptism. While we probably were not baptized in the Jordan, through the water and God's Word we were joined to the Christ. He poured His love upon us. On the journey to Bethlehem, reflect upon God's rich gift to you in your baptism.
THE PRAYER: O Advent Lord, refresh in us the blessings that are ours through the glorious sacrament of Holy Baptism. Amen.
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