Mary was promised to Joseph, she had plans, ideas, hopes and dreams. The angel’s news changed all of that. Mary had a choice – would she trust in this adventure?

Joseph didn’t want things to be difficult for Mary, he loved her very much. But God had plans for him too and even whilst he was sleeping God spoke to him.

Mary & Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus wanted to know how many people he ruled over. It was a long way travelling over 90 miles along flatlands and hills, rainy, cold weather and would have taken them days. We don’t know if they had a donkey but their route took them through forests with wild animals, bandits and many dangers.

Mary and Joseph were tired but the city was so busy and there was no where for them to stay. Eventually one kind person offered them the only space they had, where they normally kept the animals. I wonder if it was cold or if it was smelly?

As the shepherds sat, like any other night an angel appeared – I wonder what the sheep thought?
They were told where to find Jesus and then all of heaven burst out like they couldn’t wait any longer, singing their happiness. They went and found Jesus and then the very next thing they did was go and tell everyone else about Him.
Advent is the time of waiting but also the thrill of finding!

The Magi or Kings came on a long journey searching for Jesus, they had been waiting for this King for many years. They expected to find Him in a place of importance, they asked people where He was but no one knew. It was the star that led them to that small town, no where special and yet one of the most important places in history.

We’ve taken a journey, wandered and wondered but where we are now is not the end. Our story has not introduced the reason for our adventure. Sometimes Christmas can become so full of things to do, places to be, things to get or buy that we miss out on meeting with Jesus.
I wonder why this was the greatest gift?