Packing Light for the Road to Christmas

Charlene Rack shares some thoughts for a more focused and blessed Advent journey.

I recently started thinking about Saint Joseph and the Blessed Mother’s trip to Bethlehem. What were they doing for that first Advent? The Gospels give scant coverage to that part of the story: the decree came from Caesar Augustus regarding a census enrollment, and Joseph obediently followed through, taking Mary with him (paraphrased from Luke 2: 1-7). Matthew’s version of the birth of Christ doesn’t even mention the enrollment journey, and neither Gospel gives details of the actual travel.

That made me ponder on a few points, the first being how long a journey it was. My research showed that the distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem is about 75 miles. This was a very long and tiring journey for a woman who was about to give birth. One website suggested that Mary did not even need to go, since as head of the household, Joseph could have registered his entire family in the census. But we know that both Joseph and Mary would follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit (and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem would fulfill Old Testament prophecy), so of course Mary went along!

Some sources I found questioned the use of a donkey. I mean, yeah … there’s no mention of a donkey in the Bible, but, relying on tradition, as us Catholics are sensibly encouraged to do, and using our common sense, and believing that Saint Joseph was a loving and protective husband (soon to be foster father of the Messiah), I find it impossible to believe that Mary had to walk. Joseph took his role very seriously, and I’m certain there was a donkey provided for her comfort. She did not have to walk for 4-9 days (the full span of possible travel time I came up with, which also brought up the possibility that they might have stopped in Jerusalem for one of three timely Jewish feasts.) Anyway, I am definitely keeping my donkey figurine in our Nativity set!

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What became clear to me as I thought about this trip to Bethlehem and the Holy Family’s travels were these six gifts/virtues they had packed: simplicity, obedience, charity, trust, patience, and faith. Along with that, no doubt, was food for the journey, blankets for bedding down at night, swaddling clothes for the baby soon to be born, and probably a few other essentials.

Thinking of this made me determined to aim for a simpler Advent this year. I already have a simpler season than most folks, since I shop for Christmas gifts all throughout the year at yard sales and thrift stores. I get to enjoy my bargain hunting fun while finding all kinds of nice, repurposed items for my daughter’s homes, and used toys and books for my grandchildren. I find lovely gifts, save tons of money, and have fun doing it (and I’m all done before Advent begins)!

When I’m online, I avoid savvy ads and temptations for the best Christmas gifts. All I have to do is close my eyes or close the ad. Tuning out the advertising is an excellent way to simplify Christmas, because ads aim for a kind of Christmas that is not what we want/need.

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Focus your preparations on the tiny baby who changed the world forever. #catholicmom

This Advent, let’s make it our goal to think daily of the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph, traveling to Bethlehem with only the bare essentials, and a baby about to be born. Meditate upon their example of simplicity and utter faith, and let these thoughts carry us through to a holy Christmas. As we meditate, we can offer to the Blessed Mother our joys, hopes, suffering, and gratitude, for contribution to the capital of grace. Our Lady, the Mediatrix of all graces, will bless us tremendously as we work to focus on what this season really means for us and for all of mankind.

Think of some ways you can simplify this December, and avoid getting caught up in the cultural hustle and bustle. Take time to step back, and really allow the reason for Advent to settle in your soul, focusing your preparations on the tiny baby who changed the world forever.

As an aside, I also found information about an Advent tradition that is spreading throughout North America with people of varying cultures. Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican festivity based on the journey to Bethlehem and finding no room at the inn. It looks like fun Catholic community-building for the whole family. This tradition began long ago in Mexico, by the Spanish missionaries, to help the faithful focus on Christ’s birth, and gently (but enjoyably) guide them in catechesis. If you’re interested in trying something like this with your friends and family check out this article on SanJoseFirst.org.

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