For the last ten days, our little Mary and Joseph figures having been moving from house to house, staying the night with a range of St Denys folk. (I'm writing part 1 of this blog part way through their journey)

They take with them a travel log, which invites opportunity for reflections to be written and read, inspired by their visit. I always find it immensely moving and thought-provoking so read what folk write. 

Here are some of the thoughts shared so far:

'I was excited to receive Mark & Joseph and to think where I could find space for them amongst the muddles in every room of my house. I decided to put them in my plant room which has become my quiet place...As I watch my plants grow it never fails to amaze me how awesome it is to see new life from something so small. Jesus, a human birth, born to a family who were 'small' in their society, brought new life to the world. I hope that God's peace pervades our homes this Christmas.'

'I took Mary & Joseph to the house that our family were just moving into. There were boxes and sofas and lamps and books everywhere - and no where to relax. A huge upheaval. It struck me that Mary and Joseph were facing huge upheaval as Jesus was born. They had been called out of their ordered life in Nazareth to come to Bethlehem where all was crowds and chaos and nowhere to stay.

'As we get excited about the arrival of a new nephew/niece in January... I think about how Mary felt. Did she know there was something different, that the baby she was carrying had been foretold by the prophets?' The words of this song come to mind: 'Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God. Mary, did you know?'

'As Mary & Joseph became quickly enveloped in icing as part of the gingerbread house creation, and as they perched watching the mischief, mayhem and creations made at the dining room table, I wondered: What was Jesus like as a child? Was he full of mischief and sparkle? How did Mary and Joseph feel as parents? Tired? Exhausted? Heart full?'

'Mary & Joseph arrived at our house in a week of busyness, uncertaintly, illness, joys and fears. It reminds me that this is the world Jesus came into - a weary world touched by glimpses of heaven.'