Journey of Hope

Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us. — Romans 5:5, AMP

Advent is the amazing story of Joseph and Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, begun out of obedience to God and to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. But, to any casual observer, their journey was taken to obey the laws of the land that required Joseph to register and be counted in his hometown. The journey was about a week in physical distance—but we can only guess what inner transformation was taking place between them as they navigated their new circumstance.

Mary was carrying an unexpected child, God’s promised Savior. Joseph was an unexpected father who had the responsibility of caring for a new wife and baby. What does it take to make a journey across dangerous and rough territory with a pregnant woman and an uncertain future? What deep longings might they have had to give up?

What has it taken for you to make your own uncertain journey from one place to another or to leave one situation for the unknown?

Hope: An Inner Journey

Well, for this couple at the center of our Advent story, we know that their longings were rooted in hope and stronger than the fear and uncertainty of the journey and the future. Hope was shining through the angel’s words to Mary,

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will become pregnant, give birth to a son . . .Your son will be king . . . , and his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:30–33, AMP)

Hope filled the words of the angel sent to Joseph and gave him resolve and determination,

“Joseph, descendant of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus (he saves), because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20–21, AMP)

The angel said to both of them, “Do not be afraid.” Those are words of hope and consolation. The angel gave them hope by instilling in them that they had a powerful purpose. God’s promise of a Savior being fulfilled through them not only fulfilled God’s purpose for their lives, but the plan for all of God’s people. Hope did not erase the ever-present danger on the journey, nor did it make the path easier. But hope, as delivered by the angel, gave them courage to look forward and keep going—to long for something more than security.

But hope, as delivered by the angel, gave them courage to look forward and keep going—to long for something more than security.

Scripture gives us no clue to what they were thinking or how they felt about this tremendous change in their lives. Luke recounts Joseph and Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in these few words:

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. (Luke 2:4–5, AMP)

In the countless scenes we see of Mary riding the donkey with Joseph staunchly walking beside her, Luke’s few words to describe a life-changing journey seems to be a true understatement—though he could certainly be excused considering the world-changing event that would happen two verses later. But, I would like to pause here and give more than a passing glance at this scene. There is much speculation about whether Mary and Joseph’s outer journey took them through the hostile Samaria or through the more Jewish-friendly route, which was the rough and dangerous terrain of Jericho. This detail is important, as we too face similar dilemmas when deciding what paths to take in life.

However, my attention is not on the outer journey and the road not taken, but on the inner journey it required for Mary and Joseph to enter into this unconventional arrangement with each other. They had to pull themselves together and go. They had to show up for the census. So, despite the confusion of their personal lives and despite the difficulty of traveling in hostile and dangerous territories, they set aside their longings for safety, set their faces south to Bethlehem, and, with hope, began the journey that led to the fulfillment of their purpose—bringing the Savior, the light, into the world.

A Future with Hope

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. — Jeremiah 29:11, AMP

Living with hope means there is something to look forward to—a plan. God asserts that his plans allow you to prosper, to give you hope and a future. But, God’s plans seem to come with a huge “by the way” that requires an angel to say, “Do not be afraid!” If somebody cautioned me to not be afraid, I would suddenly get very afraid.

But, that is a message central to Advent: The angels say over and over, “Do not be afraid!” God knows how we long for security and that we need to hear “Do not be afraid” to give us hope. And Advent is a time of hope and preparation for the birth of our Savior and the Second Coming of our Savior. This is a promise of hope: We will not be alone in the present and our future is assured. But, as we see with Mary and Joseph, when we are part of God’s plan it is not only for ourselves to prosper, but also for God’s people, who likewise benefit when we are obedient to God’s plan and purpose for our lives. When we orient our longings toward God’s plan, we are able to move forward in hope without fear.

This is a promise of hope: We will not be alone in the present and our future is assured.

Despite being obedient like Mary and Joseph, we will also face hard journeys, hostile travel conditions, and uncertain futures; but we don’t have to let fear stop us.

I have moved multiple times throughout my adult life. My first big journey was taken in my twenties when I moved from Detroit, Michigan to Houston, Texas. I packed all my meager possessions in my little car and invited a friend along (my mother insisted I not travel alone) and set my face south. I had no idea my engine would fail, the “friend” I took with me would betray me, and I would arrive at night to a town where I knew no one.

But when I later told my story at the church I joined, I marveled that I was not afraid. I remember clearly how I felt that God had a purpose for me in my move to Houston. Though the uncertainty and challenges did not end once I arrived, I did prosper—not because of my own efforts, but because my community gave me support and encouragement.

My inner journey, filled with a deep longing for a hope-filled future, was far more defining than the turmoil related to my outer journey. My hope in God’s presence never disappointed me. In fact, many times in my prayers to “just to keep going,” I reminded myself that God’s promises are not empty, but will be fulfilled. Because we are called to participate in fulfilling God’s promise for a future with hope.

We are called to participate in fulfilling God’s promise for a future with hope.

Mary and Joseph were on the journey of a lifetime. We are, too. God has a plan for us as he did for them. We will be afraid, but God offers his presence, people (in our lives and in Scripture) to provide support, and prayer to help us keep going. Keep going. Your hope and God’s promises will not disappoint you.

Practices of Hope

How can you orient yourself toward hope and therefore be hope for others this Advent season? During this season of darkness, how can you be the light not only for your own journey, but for God’s people? Consider these three ways, which can become Advent practices while we also prepare our heart’s for Christ’s birth:

• Loneliness grows during times of darkness and during holidays. Think about who you can reach out to during this Advent season and let them know they are not alone. Share a scripture with them or accompany them on their journey. Someone to share a hard journey with gives us hope.
• When world events and life’s challenges converge and overwhelm, we just need a word of encouragement and support from someone. Consider what a word of encouragement would mean for you this Advent season and the hope it gives you. Then, take time to offer words (and acts) of encouragement and support to someone else.
• I believe that Mary and Joseph were afraid. We will be afraid also. Our journey may not be traveling across the country, but an inner journey of making a decision that may have life-changing consequences and require laying down our longings. Prayer restores our hope and our purpose. Pray for yourself and others during this Advent season for inspiration to keep going.