From Nazareth to Bethlehem

This Advent I’m taking a spiritual pilgrimage—of sorts.  I’m joining a group of other pilgrims in logging my walks or runs, attempting to journey the distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem—mimicking or mirroring the journey taken by Mary and Joseph long ago. 

Some people have asked, “is he really walking from Nazareth to Bethlehem?”  A good question since I have visited the Holy Land; and, I do live in Pennsylvania where there is a Nazareth and a Bethlehem—which are only about 9 miles apart (as the crow flies). 

But the answer is a resounding “No.” I'm walking in my own community, but trying to be in touch with the journey.  

As I’ve shared with my congregation, I’ve been on a regimen of walking in order to adopt a healthier lifestyle and lose weight.  I walked 1,500 miles in From November 2012 through December 31, 2013—but this year I may not even make my goal of 1,200 miles.  So, I need this Advent opportunity to kick me back into gear! 

I’ve taken up with some other pilgrims who have tried this sort of thing before.  Several congregations I’ve heard about have organized a “walk to Bethlehem” where the whole congregation logged miles to journey the distance from where they are located to Bethlehem.  But last year, I heard about this journey as an advent discipline through a friend who knew about Rev. Robb McCoy—who calls himself “The Fat Pastor.”  You can find out more about him, HERE; and check out his blog and the 2014 Advent Run HERE. 

My hope is that during Advent, I’ll be walking around my community and I’ll log enough miles to get me from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  It’s about the walking for my own journey.  But I’d also like for it to be more.  So while I’m walking, I want to take you with me.  I’m taking prayer requests—so I can hold you in prayer while I’m walking; and I’m also coveting your prayers for me during this time, especially. 

You can connect with me—on Facebook or my twitter handle is @revdrstipp.  You can e-mail me at revdrstipp “at” msn.com.  You can call our church office and leave voice mail for me (610) 789-1639. 

You can also participate by logging your own miles.  Pastor Robb has set up an official log page.  Check out the links to his blog above for more information. 

After this morning, I'm 37 miles into the journey; I've got 66 miles to go.

© Rev. David Stipp-Bethune; Teaching Elder and Pastor, The Presbyterian Church of Llanerch, Havertown, Pennsylvania