Related by Joseph, Mary’s husband
Everyone was on the move. Caesar Augustus had ordered a census, and Mary and I had to go to Bethlehem. Our neighbors in Galilee argued how long the trip would take. Those without family to attend along the way thought they could manage eight hours a day if their donkey cooperated, expecting to arrive in six days. Hardly anyone thought it would take less time. Me? Mary’s pregnancy was more of a concern. How many hours could Mary endure? Would we get there before the birth? Would there be a place to stay?
We did get there before the birth, and I was relieved until I could not find a room to stay. My donkey didn’t mind the stable and a manger with hay, but me? With Mary I agreed “God will provide.” Mary gave birth to a Baby Boy, and we wrapped him in swaddling clothes. I would stay awake insisting on Mary’s rest. However, not long after our newborn was washed and fed, we heard voices outside the stable. “Here? In here? Could this be the place the angel said we would find the Messiah and Lord?” The arguing continued: “You heard the angel. Look for the manger!” I could hardly believe the shepherds’ story, yet they said they now understood the fantastic event about the child lying in a manger. Moreover, despite our fatigue we asked if they had anything else to tell. “We saw angels—lots of them—and they were saying ‘Glory to God in high heaven, peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests.’”
The shepherds left quietly. Mary treasured the night’s events, enough for a lifetime of reflection. She was already asleep. It was my custom to pray before sleep, but I could not formulate words appropriate enough for my grateful heart. I managed a line from a psalm: “I will sing of your strength and revel at dawn in your kindness…. O my strength! Your praise will I sing, for you, O God, are my stronghold, my gracious God!” (Psalm 59:17-18) Dawn was not far away.
