Luke 2:5-7 “He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

Poor Joseph. His head is drooping from fatigue and frustration as he walks back towards me shaking his head. I know this long journey has taken a toll on him. He’s had to protect us from the crowds and thieves, while always keeping one eye on me. His worry over my condition has been sweet and endearing. I wish I could convince him that I’m okay. He is such a good man, this one You have given me, Adonai. 

Yes, this donkey is not the most comfortable place to sit for a soon to be mother, but it beats walking and I am at peace. I am thankful for this beast’s back and the labor he is enduring for my sake. You have provided just as You always do. 

When we arrived in Bethlehem with its sea of people, we were both surprised. Everywhere we turn it’s crowds and long lines. Tempers are short and no one has patience, especially for a slow moving woman on an even slower animal. When I mentioned to my beloved that I felt the time was drawing close, he went into full fledged panic mode. He’s knocked on so many doors, but there is just no room anywhere. I’m not sure what we will do, but I trust Joseph and You, to find a way. 

“Joseph, what is it? Did you have any luck?” 

He looks me in the eyes and amidst the noise all around us, I hear his worry tinged voice say, “They don’t have any room, but we can bunk down with the animals. It’s not quite what I expected, but it will be warm and I’ll make sure it is safe for you. Not quite the birth place I wanted for our son.”

“Dear Joseph, nothing has been ordinary or expected since the Lord asked us to take on this task. Why would his birth be any different? I don’t think anything will ever be the same again. Let’s go there now. The time is coming sooner than we thought.” 

As he leads us into the stable area, I can smell the animals and the fresh hay. I can feel the heat of the room and feel as if this place is wrapping us in a warm hug. Everything will be fine. Lord, You are here. Come be with me in this hour. How will this happen? What will he look like? I can’t wait to hold in my arms, the one I’ve held beneath my heart for the last nine months. 

“Joseph, stop fussing about with the hay. I’m warm enough. I need you here with me right now. Hold me. Pray with me. Jesus is coming.” 

Reflection Questions: All that we’ve waited for over the last three weeks is coming true today. Today, we are celebrating the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem. This moment in time, so many years ago, changed the world forever. How can the birth of one child make such a difference in the world, that we literally started counting the years from his birth (AD) in a new way? Even more importantly, how does His birth make a change in you this year? Or does it? Will Christmas come and go, just like it does every year or will you be different now, because you’ve spent more time in His Word and with the real people in these pages? 

Prayer: May I be different, Jesus. May Your birth in me change me this year in a way that is real and substantial. I pray that others will see in me a new person, striving to live more like You, Your mother, and St. Joseph. Help me to be as trusting as that new born child, as humble as his mother, and as strong as his foster father. And may others meet You when they meet me. Amen.