Bible Study

Ignatian Meditation is a form of prayer that allows the person praying to enter the scene of the scripture they are reading. In this form of prayer, we use our imagination to observe the scene with all our senses and allow ourselves to be impacted by what is taking place in the scripture. Take a moment, quiet your mind, and engage all your senses as you begin this meditation in your personal prayer or with a small group. For more information and guidance in Ignatian Meditation, check out Timothy Gallagher’s book, An Ignatian Introduction to Prayer.
 
For this meditation, we will be praying with the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem for the census and, ultimately, the birth of Jesus. As we journey together this Advent, we too find ourselves “on the way” in one way or another. Let us enter into this meditation, bringing to the Lord all that we hold in our hearts, and allow Him the opportunity to speak to each of us where we are.
 
Prayerfully Read Luke 2:1-7
 
We’ll begin our story in the small town of Nazareth. Use your imagination to place yourself in the scene. Nazareth is in Galilee, and the village is situated in a small basin surrounded by rolling hills in every direction. There are no roadways through the village, making it isolated from the outside world. The homes around you are built of stone, and the dirt floors are cold beneath your bare feet. There’s a well off in the distance where the women go each day to fetch water. Among the villagers are family and familiar faces, bustling through the village center. You take in a deep breath of the dry air and smell the fragrant aroma of meals being prepared in nearby homes. How do you feel as you take in the sights, sounds, and smells of home? How is your heart moved?
 
Read Luke 2:1-5
 
As Mary approaches the final days of her pregnancy, she learns that she and her husband must make the long journey to Bethlehem for the census. What emotions do you see on Mary’s face? Is there anxiety about the journey ahead? Is there fear of leaving home? Allow yourself a moment to ponder what you might feel in this moment.
 
As they begin their journey, Joseph leads a mule with their belongings, and Mary sits on its back, one hand cradling her womb. Joseph’s face is serious, prepared to lead and protect his family for the journey ahead. The terrain becomes unfamiliar quickly. The village fades into the distance as they make their way through the rolling hills and forested valleys. You feel the cool night air and hear the sounds of nature in the distance, the rustling of bushes and trees signaling the presence of wildlife. The days are long, and you feel tired from the journey. What moves your heart about this journey? Does it remind you of a journey of your own? How do you feel in the place you find yourself now? Are you anxious, weary, or burdened? Sit with Mary or Joseph and rest a while. What do you say to them? How do they respond? Let the conversation play out in your mind.
 
It’s the final day of the journey, and you can see the exhaustion on the face of every traveler. The morning air is crisp, and the sun begins to creep over the hills. You can see olive orchards in the distance and sheep grazing in a nearby pasture. There’s a sense of relief among the travelers as they see the town of Bethlehem up ahead. What do you feel as you approach your destination? Do you feel relief or hope? Maybe you feel worn down from the journey. In your own life’s journey, how do you feel toward the destination in the distance?
 
Read Luke 2:6-7
 
Far from home, Mary goes into labor. Feelings of anticipation, hope, and anxiety fill Mary and Joseph’s faces as they search for a place to stay, but every place is full due to the census. Finally, they settle into a small stable behind an inn, and Mary gives birth to her firstborn son, Jesus Christ. Suddenly, the mood in this humble abode shifts from anticipation to awe and wonder. The night is cold, but the stable is filled with warmth. The smell of hay and animals permeates the room as Mary wraps the child Jesus in swaddling clothes. She lays Him in a manger, and for the first time, both Mary and Joseph gaze upon Jesus. They invite you to do the same. As you lay eyes on this newborn baby, what do you feel? What do you see? Looking back on the journey you took to get to this moment, was it all worth it? Take a moment to relate these feelings and thoughts to the infant Jesus. Imagine His gaze as you speak to Him. It’s okay to take your time and let the moment play out.
 
Close with a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of the journey you find yourself on, and ask for the grace to receive whatever the Lord has in store when you reach your destination.

Amen.