How far is Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea (Luke 2:4)?
If Google Maps is to believed, and I've typed in the right things, the quickest way to drive from Nazareth to Bethlehem today would be about 110 miles and take you about 2 hrs 20 mins.
With a bit of walking you could get 3 different busses and do it in just over 4 hrs.
You might walk the 98 miles in 33 hours.
No doubt it was a serious journey for a pregnant woman in ancient times - with or without a donkey.
But its not the longest journey in the world.
What is the longest journey in the world?
The circumferance of the globe is 24,902 miles.
As far back as 1980 it was possible to journey around the world on scheduled flights in about 44 hours.
The world record for the longest journey is held by 61-year-old Rosie Swale
Pope, who travelled 20,000 miles across 12 countries.
Yet the longest journey ever was the one Jesus took, not from Nazareth to Bethelehem but from heaven to earth. He journeyed from the throne of heaven not to a palace or a maternity ward but to a manger in stable and eventually to a cross.
He did that in obedience to his Father, out of love for us, in great humility that he might show us God and save us from our sins.
(If you feel the need for gimmicks, of course some maps and globes and things might enhance this talk).
(You could also ask the kids some questions, of course, What's the longest journey you've ever been on? Who's come the furtherst to get here today? etc.)
(You could also discuss the other journies involved in the Christmas story: the journey of the Magi and the flight to Egypt)
Friday, December 13, 2013
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2 comments:
Not sure which globe you're talking about, Marc. The circumference of the earth is 24,901 miles.
Thank you, John. Good knowledge! I've put that right. I'm pretty sure I cut and paste it from the internet but must have mucked up somehow!
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