Pilgrimage

They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. Mark 10:32

I was at church for 12 hours last Wednesday in this busy Advent season! I decided to take some walks to break up the day. This labyrinth on our campus in our green space is a peaceful place to walk, ponder, pray, and feel God’s presence any time of day. Walking the labyrinth brought peace, calm, and focus as I walked and prayed. God’s presence with me was palpable on that beautiful day on my mini pilgrimage as the sun warmed me in the cool breeze. I noticed the rock at the entrance this time which says:

“A labyrinth is an ancient prayer tool developed to replicate a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. There is only one way to the enter and one way out, so you can never get lost in the labyrinth. May you feel the presence and peace of God as you walk this labyrinth. Shalom!”

Thinking of a labyrinth as a pilgrimage got me thinking of Jesus on the road to Jerusalem with his disciples. He was making a journey to his cross, death, and resurrection. He was walking with the disciples as always. He was leading them, and they were following him in faith. It was a kind of pilgrimage for Jesus and the disciples as he would soon fulfill his purpose at the end of his journey on earth by redeeming the world with grace.

In this Advent journey, we are also walking the road with Jesus as a pilgrimage to the stable in Bethlehem where Jesus’ journey on earth began. As we reflect on the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love he brought to the world, may we feel his presence with us and follow him in faith. Do not get lost in fear, worry, or despair, but trust that Jesus walks ahead of you as a light unto your path. May you feel the presence and peace of God in this Advent pilgrimage in the company of your Savior, the newborn king, knowing you never walk alone.

Journey on, Pastor Andrea