The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem by Adam Hamilton

The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem Reviews

• 
  Scott

  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

  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

  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.
  
• 
  Andrea

  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.
• 
  Leah

  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

  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; l
  Polishing Mud Balls
  
• 
  David Orphal

  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

  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

  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.
• 
  Jeff Bobin

  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

  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.]
• 
  Sam

  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.
  
• 
  Lisa

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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.
• 
  Michael Owen

  This is the first book I’ve read by Adam Hamilton. Our church used it as a small group resource for Advent. I found the book to be well written and clear, well researched, and together with the accompanying video provided an enriching Advent series for me personally as well as our small group.
• 
  Megan

  This was my Advent read for 2018. Adam Hamilton once again made me ponder things I hadn’t before, which I always appreciate about his approach. The Journey has a companion devotional, which I also enjoyed, but some of the stories in the devotional were repeats from the book.
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  Rebecca Crawshaw

  I liked this Christmas devotion because it wasn’t super fluffy and he gave a lot of historical context for different parts of the Christmas story. The readings were also relatively quick with a prayer at the end.
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  Tammy Mannarino

  I was a little worried that this would be dated or cheesy, but it actually was a helpful read. Adam Hamilton brings out some interesting historical points of the story. I will definitely look at other titles by him.
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  Amy Bailey

  I just did not like how this book was written. I’ve read other A Hamilton books before but this was my least favorite. It should have a been a quick read but it took me almost 2 months to finish because it hurt to read it.
• 
  Janet

  Excellent!
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  Gina-Marie

  This is the perfect book to better appreciate the birth of Christ.