Mary and Joseph would pass through Jerusalem on their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Their memories of past events in the Holy City may well have overwhelmed them. They knew the temple stood on the reported spot where Abraham was to have sacrificed his son, according to Genesis 22. This was the spot where so many sacrifices had been and were still being offered. While they did not know how, this would be the spot where their Son would make a sacrifice that would change everything!
As they passed through the city, they might have gone the way that would later become the "Via Dolorosa"-"the way of sorrow." It would take them past the temple, past the seat of power, past the governor's judgment hall, past Herod's palace. There was so much history, so many stories.
But most poignant story was yet to come! It would be of Jesus passing that way, struggling with His cross. This was not a light, touring trip through the city. This would be the Son of God bearing the load of the sins of the world. This would be the Son of God carrying our sins!
There were a lot of people who worried because it looked like He was in a terrible spot. They grieved for Him. But He knew who was in trouble. It was those who grieved. It is us. He knew that! To free us from the certain destruction wreaked by our sins, by death, and by the power of the evil one, He bore the load. He bore it all the way through Jerusalem. He bore it to Calvary.
THE PRAYER: O Advent Lord, we are so grateful for Your departure from Jerusalem, for us, and for the whole world! Amen.
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