The Road to Bethlehem

THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM

If as Herod, we fill our lives with things and again things;
If we consider ourselves so important that we must fill
Every moment of our lives with action;
When will we have the time to make the long slow journey
Across the burning desert as did the Magi;
Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds;
Or to brood over the coming of the Child as did Mary?
For each one of us there is a desert to travel,
A star to discover,
And a being within ourselves to bring to life.

~ Author Unknown

Casper (name) (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Journey of the Magi by James Tissot

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I read “The Road to Bethlehem” online and saved a copy of the poem but not the URL of the website where I found it. The poem was attributed to Anonymous, and I haven’t been able to find the author’s name. If you know who wrote it, please send the name and, if possible, other documentation in a comment, so I can give the poet credit for his creation and can seek information about copyright. Until I know more, I will assume the poem is in the public domain.

3 thoughts on “The Road to Bethlehem”

Hi Kathy. I’ve used this quote at the opening to one of the chapters of my memoir. As far as I can tell, the author is Michael Podesta. Hope this is correct and hope it helps you.

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I found Michael Podesta’s web site where he uses this text for a card that he designed, titled “Desert.” However, here’s a note he added to the description of the card:

Behind The Art – Desert:
I have never been able to locate the source of this text. It was sent to me years ago as a Christmas card. Basically, the meaning seems to me much like Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God” – challenging, like that, suggesting the risks and rewards, in stillness.

Risks? Looking beyond attainments, career, honors, wealth, “things” for a sense of personal significance.

Rewards? Well, the text alludes to one example. It is Mary saying “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word”. Luke 1:38

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