The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem

by Adam Hamilton

Journey with Adam Hamilton as he travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem in this fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ. As he did with Jesus' crucifixion in 24 Hours That Changed the World, Hamilton once again approaches a world-changing event with thoughtfulness. Using historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth, the most amazing moment in history will become more real and heartfelt as you walk along this road.

Genres: Christmas, Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Spirituality, Church

Audible Audio

Published August 15, 2012

About the author

Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to more than 16,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600 in 2011. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American pastors.

Adam has been married 30 years to LaVon. They have two grown daughters.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a relatively brief book, Pastor Hamilton does an excellent job investigating, debunking / confirming, and explaining various components in the well-known story of Christ's birth. Some of the details really were thought-provoking, and his humor (the 'Silent Night' birth discussion) was on-target as well.

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a free book that was left, at the end of a garage sale. I almost gave this away but someone said "You need to keep this and read it." So very happy that i took her advice!
The author has traveled to the Holy Land and used that as the background for the often told Bible story. It offered many insights, much to ponder (like Mary did) and it inspired me to be ready for the our wonderful Christmas season in a more significant way. I intend to use this book review and expand on it for our December church newsletter. Truly, a book of many devotions and history that will give you hope. It can be perused very quickly.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s probably me, not pastor and author Adam Hamilton. His Advent book became a best-selling classic in Christian circles. Despite heading a megachurch, Hamilton hasn’t strayed into QAnon Christianity, so it’s not that.

It’s just that the book never really spoke to me. Speculation about the emotions of Mary and Joseph and the elements of the travelogue to the Holy Land (including photos and maps) just didn’t appeal to me. Ironically, The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem ironically didn’t really ask me to go anywhere in my faith journey.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ol' Adam Hamilton. He just doesn't stop producing solid, accessible, meaningful studies. This one helped my class and me to learn about some of the historical facts of Jesus' birth, as well as the implications for our faith today. He really hits hard the point that God chose poverty, a tiny town instead of a metropolis, a humble family. Which we all need to be reminded of every so often.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed this book. True, there is so,ex speculation involved, but it seems reasonable to me and I actually liked some of the parallels the author drew between what Mary and Joseph might have been going through to weathering your own hardship. And he always drew it back to scripture.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book to read during Advent, or anytime

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for advent! I learned so much and this book made me consider many aspects of the Christmas story that I had never thought about. It was very enlightening and inspiring! I recommend it to anyone who wants to grow in their faith!

[Kendal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice meditation for the Christmas season. I especially liked the section on Elizabeth. Rounded up from 3.5 stars.

[Debbie Babbage · Rating 5 out of 5]

We did this as a church wide study, with our pastors preaching each week and then small group discussions. Video is a travelogue. Lots of discussion. Highly recommend.

[Lorien Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with our Bible study group. Enjoyed his deep dive into different historical aspects of the Nativity story, including perpetuated falsehoods. Solid advent study.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

With particular emphasis on cultural and geographical details that we typically don't get in the Nativity Narrative, United Methodist Pastor Adam Hamilton, who researched and lived this book in the Holy Land, walks his readers through the Christmas texts in Matthew's and Luke's gospels; he doesn't shortchange us on Hebrew Bible background and antecedents either!

In five chapters―Mary of Nazareth, Joseph of Bethlehem, Mary's Visit to Elizabeth, From Nazareth to Bethlehem, and The Manger―the author writes about central and more peripheral actors in the story of Jesus of Nazareth's birth. The Journey is full of interesting information about population size of each town, distances from one place to another, social classes and occupations of the residents, religious practices, material and construction of buildings.

A few highlights for me were in chapter 4, "From Nazareth to Bethlehem," as it explored which route Joseph and Mary likely took on their way to the place of Jesus' birth, with the author's conclusion it probably was the one that led to their tracing the geographical path of salvation history to that point. The same chapter has a diagram of the house with attached stable where Mary gave birth, and carefully explains it all. Mary had a midwife? Of course, though I'd never thought through that fact! Also, in chapter 2, "Joseph of Bethlehem," he offers details regarding the "messianic" Isaiah 7 text, information I knew in outline, but was happy to learn more about.

The Journey is more devotional and practical than formally theological, and at many points along the way, Hamilton lists real-life examples, suggests parallel situations in our own lives, and offers ideas of how each of us can incarnate the presence of Jesus Christ in our own worlds. It's also well-written, without the kind of stylistic annoyances that make a reader cringe. As a reviewer I received only the hardbound book, but you might want to check out the five (so far) collateral pieces that include a Kindle edition, DVD with Leader Guide, A Season of Reflections, Children's Study version, and one for Youth Study.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really is a fabulous book to read while preparing to celebrate Christmas; I was enlightened. The page count and format tuck nicely into the busyness of the season; easily read during quiet time - the key for me was to start this book at the beginning of the Advent season in order to slowly and purposefully make my way through The Journey. For those who are more scholarly than I, or more aware of the details of the times when Christ was born may not gain any new insights through reading this book, but for me, I enjoyed it and gained new information and paused to think about things that never entered my mind before.

Bottom Line: An excellent and interesting book to read during the Advent season, and also one that I believe would be great to read at any point during the year. For me, I plan on re-reading this book next season. I think, the annual reading of this book, or one very similar, combined with the viewing of The Nativity Story would make a good pairing for preparing my mind, and heart for the celebrations of Christ's birth; an amazing gift from God.

For more of my thoughts on this book; lPolishing Mud Balls

[David Orphal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would imagine that even non-Christian Americans who grew up with the songs and stories of the manger in Bethlehem might enjoy how this book takes a more realistic look at the Christmas story. In Hamilton's words, it was definitely NOT a silent night!

Hamilton examines elements that were very new for me. For example, I never really dug deeply into what Mary was risking in saying "Yes" to God. She risked being killed for being unfaithful to Joseph, her betrothed. I never imagined before reading about it here, how Joseph must have felt when he heard for the first time that his fiancée was pregnant and he was not the father.

My Bible study class is watching the companion video as a part of the Advent season. I really enjoyed going deeper than the video with this book.

I find I am learning along three themes:
1. What was the journey to Bethlehem was like for the real human people involved
2. What this story teaches me about the future ministry of Jesus, and
3. What this story teaches me about my relationship with God.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

We used this book during Advent this year as a Bible study. I was only able to attend one of the sessions so I read it on my own. In the book we read the typical Bible verses about the story of Jesus' birth but Mr. Hamilton also includes current day stories that make you reflect on how these verses affect your life now. I found it to be a very moving and thought provoking book. There are not many books that I would pick up and read again because I have so many on my "to read" list that I haven't gotten to yet but this is certainly one that I would go back and reread in parts or the entire book.

[Cindy Wiedemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over all I enjoyed this book, although found it very fast paced and in some places reparative. I found the information interesting and enjoyed the multiple view points shared. I just felt it glossed over and barely scratched the surface of what could have been more detailed, and look at a lot more aspects. The book was a very quick read because of how quickly each topic was covered. O would have loved more thorough in-depth look. But for the material given was informative. Its a great book for a beginner of someone seeking a side of the story of the birth of Jesus that examines the truth behind the stories and carols we all tend to assume as factual.

[Ryan Rench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this preparing to write my Advent book, and it was fascinating to think about their story from the humans' perspectives. I learned quite a bit, but a couple of things really stuck with me:
1) The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem
2) The marriage between Joseph and Mary, and how they had a home in Bethlehem but ended up in Nazareth
3) The background of Nazareth
4) The inn discussion

The book was meant to be devotional, but I used it more for research. I didn't find the devotional aspect all that compelling, but I loved the historical part of it.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will make you reflect on the story of the Christmas and maybe challenge some of the traditions and assumptions you have made a part of the story.

There is a lot of good information here that can be used with the video for good discussion in a small group. Some of what is presented as fact is really the authors opinion so some care must be taken.

I recommend this for small group or supplemental study of the Christmas story.

[Lindsay Lock · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fantastic examination of Christ's birth. He goes through each point of view to the Christmas story: Joseph's, Mary's, the shepherds, and the magi's. This would make a great guide to take with you for suggestions if going to the Holy Land [because it talks about where certain events were mostly likely to have occurred.]

[Delynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informative. I liked learning about other beliefs and possibilities I had never thought of. Our Sunday school class read the book and did the dvd series. Great book for advent

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great bookmarked quotes below. Excellent Advent read!

What does it tell us about God? The setting of this story tells us that God looks for the meek and the humble to use for His greatest purposes. God chooses the least likely to accomplish his most important work. God chose a slave people to be His chosen people.1 Cor. 1:27-28, James 4:6

The invitation of Advent is to offer ourselves to God as Mary did. Christmas is not about how much you buy, what you eat, or with whom you visit, it is about your willingness to say with Mary, Here am I Lord, use me according to your will.

We are called to show by our actions, to be a visual, embodied reminder that God is with you.

For Herod, greatness was found not in servanthood, but in affirmation and acknowledgement, in a life of ease and luxury. Herod seems constantly working to prove his greatness to others and perhaps to himself. Massive building projects (greater than Solomon), fortresses, palaces, the Herodian.

God has already promised to walk with us and use our adversity for His purposes and our sanctification. When you pray, Bless me Lord, or likewise say to someone, May God bless you. Be careful what you pray for. It may be that the blessings of God you pray for will come with challenges and adversity. Again, God's blessing are not about ease and comfort, but the joy of being part of God's work. Being used by God for God's purposes, and accompanied by God's presence, particularly in the face of adversity. That is the paradox of blessedness. It is what we see when the young, pregnant, unmarried Mary is told by Elizabeth that she was blessed.

Jesus saves us from guilt, shame, hopelessness, despair, fear, and death. He breaks the power of cancelled sin. He sets the prisoner free. I have watched him save addicts from their addiction and give them new life. I have seen Jesus save people from being self-absorbed, resentful, bitter, and angry and transform them into people who live with freedom, hope, and joy. He came to save us from the brokenness of our shared human condition, to deliver us, heal us, and send us out to bring healing, hope, to a broken world. This good news of great joy was for all people, not just Jews, Gentiles, not just poor shepherds, but wealthy wisemen. We all need saving. It is available through Jesus. God in humility, coming near to us, face to face, the way, the truth, the life, to give his life so that we might have life. John 1:14

Then I say, Once we come to understand the darkness of sin in our world, and the light that Jesus offers, we like the wisemen are overwhelmed with joy. *Christmas trees are lit, organ plays, Joy to the World!*

What we really hunger for will not be found under the tree on Christmas morning. We hunger for meaning, for joy, for hope int he face of despair. We hunger to know that we can be forgiven and start anew after things we regret. We hunger for a love that will not let us go, and for life that triumphs in the face of death. These come through a baby born in a stable laid to sleep in a feeding trough, visited by night shift shepherds. He is, for us the bread of life and we must come to the stable to satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts. I invite you to come to the manger this Christmas and to eat of this bread. I invite you to choose to become Christ’s follower, and put your trust in him. John tells us, 1:12. Christmas is the perfect time to call out to God and say, Jesus I come to you. Like the shepherds and the magi did so long ago, I accept you as my King, my Savior, my Lord. Forgive me for the ways I’ve turned from God’s path and help me to follow you. Save me from myself and help me to live for you. I receive you Jesus Christ and believe in your name. Make me your child and bring me your joy. Help me to do justice, to love mercy, to walk humbly with You. In your name I pray, Jesus, my Christ. Amen.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

REFLECTIONS TO ACCOMPANY THE BOOK AND VIDEOS

Author and Methodist Pastor Adam Hamilton wrote in the Introduction to this 2011 book, “[I’m] beginning to write four weeks of reflections to go with my book, ‘The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem.’ … There are also videos that go along with [the book]. In them, I walk the roads of the Holy Land… Since there is a book and a series of videos, you might ask what need there is for a book of reflections… These are meditations on the Christmas story, based upon the more in-depth study of the story that became ‘The Journey.’”

He observes, “Christmas today seems like an orgy of overindulgence… We find ourselves with a ‘Christmas Hangover’ when the credit card bills arrive. Somehow we miss out on the true message and joy of Christmas. This is why now, more than ever, Advent matters. Advent is the way the church prepares for Christmas… this season has been a time to recall the meaning of Christmas… Christians use this opportunity both to recall Jesus’ coming to the earth as a babe in Bethlehem and to prepare themselves for his promised return to earth.” (Pg. 13)

He points out, “There are some things you can’t really appreciate in the Scripture until you’ve visited the Holy Land… as I was preparing this book, I traveled to the Holy Land and retraced Mary’s steps from the Annunciation to the birth of Jesus. I was surprised to discover that Mary’s journey to Elizabeth’s home would have taken her eight to ten days. This was no small journey for a thirteen-year-old girl to make without her family.” (Pg. 77-78)

Later, he adds, “I was also reminded that this was only the first of several journeys she did not want to take with Jesus. She would also flee as a refugee to Egypt… And years later she would make the same journey from Nazareth with Jesus, as he went to Jerusalem… Like Mary, all of us find ourselves forced to take journeys we do not wish to make… But here’s what we find in Scripture and what is echoed in our own lives. God does not abandon us while we’re on these journeys. Somehow… he even works through them. We look back years later and can see how God took adversity, disappointment, and pain and used these very things to accomplish his purposes.” (Pg.105-106)

He explains, “I’ve suggested that Joseph was from Bethlehem. Why would he need an inn if his family lived there? He would not. Many scholars … suggest … A better translation of Luke 2:7 might be that she laid him in a manger because ‘there was no place for them in the guest room.’ … What [Luke] wants us to notice is that Mary gave birth in a makeshift shelter and Jesus’ first bed was a feeding trough. The king of kings was born to a young couple whose income placed them on the lowest rung of society, and he was born homeless.” (Pg. 111-112)

He notes, “It is Christmas time, and there are many people who typically don‘t go to church but are searching nonetheless for ‘good news of great joy for all the people.’ They’ve been searching at the mall, at their Christmas parties, even sitting in front of a decorated Christmas tree, but they still haven’t found Christmas. And they won’t find it, unless someone plays the part of the angel and invites them to come and see the child ‘wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’” (Pg. 133-134)

He acknowledges, “No one knows when Jesus was born. December 25 was chosen not because someone had a copy of Jesus’ birth certificate, but because, as the early church pondered when to celebrate Jesus’ birth, the winter solstice seemed the perfect time. They chose this time… not because it was already a pagan festival, though it was. I believe they chose this day because on this night the heavens themselves seemed to tell the Christmas story.” (Pg. 147-148)

This book will interest Christians look for spiritual meaning in the celebration.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book club read. Written by Adam Hamilton, pastor of the largest United Methodist Church in the world. He obviously has put a lot of thought and research into examining the nativity stories in the Bible and giving them the context that so many religious people neglect. The Bible wasn't written in a vacuum. However, the context of why a nativity story was necessary at all is not discussed and I think that could have been very interesting in itself. Consider that the four gospels were written for very different audiences and the only two (Matthew and Luke) to really include nativity stories are those written to Gentile congregations. The initial readers of Matthew and Luke, who would have been converted from Greco-Roman pantheistic beliefs where gods impregnating virgins were the origins of demi-gods like Hercules, apparently had a lot more questions about Jesus' origins and divinity and needed an origin story. It would have been interesting to know why. Why were they stuck on the details whereas the congregations of Mark and John, who were converts from Judaism and, at most, were seemingly okay with just John's abstract "In the beginning was the Word..."? Ultimately, it is a problem that still exists today in Christianity where we get hung up on picayune details of how something was done (Virgin birth, 7-day creation) rather than the more important what was done/why it was done (grace, love, forgiveness). If we focus on the latter we greatly expand our own journey and can believe in both science and Christianity. Stop sweating the details!

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read this book for my church's Sunday school class. Hamilton explores events in the birth narrative that many of us take for granted. He challenges us to look at them with new eyes considering their historical context. A DVD included with the study helped us to visualize the actual places in the Holy Land where events are said to have occurred. Having a visual is very helpful. Hamilton does take some liberties with the stories and makes assumptions that may or may not be true. I wish he had been more up front with these assumptions. Overall the study produced good conversation and was helpful in exploring the birth of Jesus.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I respect what this book was trying to do (seat the Christmas story in its historical and geographical setting), it did so in a way that was a bit shallow. For someone very new to the Christian faith, it may be helpful, but it falls far short in a lot of ways. The author also makes some assertions that are widely unsupported by modern biblical study. I think the deeper theological messages of the nativity were reduced to an overall triteness in this book and the author often jumped prematurely to “how does this affect me” rather than dwelling on the richness of the story of God and his people for the sake of learning about God.

[Book Nerds In MN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good Advent study, even though there is obviously speculation involved, our women's Bible study group did this via Zoom and enjoyed it a lot. We had the accompanying videos with each chapter and I would highly recommend getting it if you do, as well as a leader guide as he asks some excellent questions in it. The journey that Mary & Joseph took to Bethlehem was the most eye opening for me, as Adam takes it as well. It helped me really understand this arduous trip, at the behest of the government, while very pregnant. Adam speaks with ease and it never feels like a perfomance as much as he's just....well...talking to you. Our group is looking forward to doing a Lent study by him too.

[Robin Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Journey by Adam Hamilton takes you on the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem for an interesting look at the birth of Jesus Christ. Using historical information, archaeological data, and personal insight, Hamilton looks at the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. Hamilton makes the people, the stories, and journey become more real for the reader. Even if you disagree with some of his suppositions, it is always interesting to read things from another perspective and gain some insight into your own views. This book was a quick, easy read and perfect for this Christmas season.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem by Adam Hamilton is an excellent short book exploring the Christmas story. It’s a fantastic book to read during Advent or the Christmas season. Pastor Hamilton takes the read through the events described in scripture and fills in historical, cultural, and theological information to help contemporary readers understand the birth of Christ even better. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, thoughtful book about the story of Mary and Joseph. Hamilton wonders about the details the Gospel writers didn't include and offers his ideas, as well as asking the readers how they connect with the places and people.
It was a relief to read this in study group after our last book by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, which was heavy going.

[Reader57 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Food for thought during Advent season. Hamilton determined what he thinks is the most likely route Joseph and Mary would have taken to Bethlehem, then traveled the way himself. The book only talks about that in one chapter. The rest is about the characters and their personal journey through this unique event in history.

[David Owens · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author over speculated and added to the story many, many things that are not present in the historical texts. He overcomplicated a story clouding the message. This is not a bible study. Do not think it is or teach it as if it is a Bible study. This is more imagination and controversy than Bible.