The Way to Bethlehem
I thought to go up in my mind this year once again
To Bethlehem, to see with my own mind’s eye
The newborn Jesus even though I know
He is not just born. I look up through bare trees on my way
To see if there are new angels, hear only passing breezes,
No songs. Starting out in New Hampshire, Bethlehem
Is impossibly far, especially on foot, but this interior pilgrimage
Transports me over ocean, continent, desert. Its ease
Dilutes the suffering necessary to pilgrimage, I suspect,
Yet reaching there seems first.
A Presence joins me. Jesus inquires Would you go up to Bethlehem?
Lord, I would go up, to try, beside your manger, with all my strength
To grasp the ungraspable, your Incarnation.
His footsteps slow and pause; mine, too. In His loving voice He says,
If you would go to Bethlehem, if you’d be present to my Incarnation, know
The way to Bethlehem does not ascend. You cannot arrive at Bethlehem
By going up.
The way to Bethlehem descends.
Descend, descend to Bethlehem.
Deanna Harrington Christiansen
Advent 2021
I’m speechless….it’s so moving. I can relate. It captivated my heart. Lord Jesus, I also want to descend to Bethlehem. I want to be where you are.
Blessings my dear friend. You are always inspiring. Your faith is real. Jesus in real! 💕
Dear Deanna: Once again you have captured the pure essence of the Bethlehem story. I so enjoy your writing! ~Glen
This was a calming and worshipful new way to think about Christmas. A mind journey that has no bounds.
A new concept for me, Deanna, the going down to Bethlehem. From His position it was indeed down. Down from His heavenly throne to be encased in a human body with all it’s limitations. Down from the presence of His Father to spend 33 years setting up the way for us to own day ascend. Ice again to paint more clearly with words than I with brush and acrylics.