On a journey...

I suspect that on every reality show on TV the phrase 'I've been on an amazing journey' is heard more than once. I always hear and think "what a stupid thing to say!". This morning I have been wondering about this phrase as part of my reflecting on Advent - which is a journey of hope and discovery. 

In order for their to be a journey you need to move from commencement to destination, passing through "touch-points" or staging posts along the way. Most journeys are not a simple straight line, and this journey through Advent is no different.

As we travel towards Bethlehem and the arrival of the Messiah we travel through uncharted territory such as the existence and belief in angels, the prospect of a virgin birth and the vague possibility that Jesus was born in a cave not a wooden stable. These, and many others, cause us to stop, pause, reflect and move on. If we don't then the journey falters or possibly ends there and then.

Some things we need to take more time over, or return to, so that we can understand them a little better - it's not a straight road without detour, twist or turn. It is a journey of faith.

In fact our own journey of faith in Jesus is equally meandering and turning as we are challenged by His teaching, the giving of and use of Spiritual gifts, whether we display Spiritual fruits, how we live in community, whether my worship is about my preference or my motivation. Our hope rises and falls, our adoration likewise. We walk the road less travelled so there are few to help us on our way.

Perhaps a little Advent gift we could treat ourselves to is to find a travelling partner - or acknowledge the ones we already have - because travelling with a companion is always more pleasurable than travelling without.

If the reality contestants have experienced many or any of these feelings then maybe they are right - they have been on a journey.

Have you?