Mary's Story: Part Three Conclusion

Merry Christmas to all you readers! I hope you have a joyous Holy-day! May we never forget God's greatest Gift of Christmas!!

Mary sang a song of praise as she went about her preparations. Praise to the LORD for His work in Joseph’s heart! She had returned from her visit to Elizabeth to a changed Joseph. An angel had appeared to him as well, although in a dream, and told him to take her as his wife, that her story was true. And now she was making preparations to become his bride.

The wedding went well. Everyone feasted on the delicious meal and had a good time. Now Mary was Joseph’s wife and keeping his house. She smiled as she prepared the evening meal. Joseph would be in from the shop and they would sit down at the beautiful table he had made, just as they had done in the five months since the wedding. Her belly was quite large now and made her movements rather awkward. It would not be long before the Messiah would make His appearance. What would He look like? Would they share any features? Would He have her dark hair and eyes? What would it be like to hold her Creator and care for His every need?

Joseph came in, stomping the dust from his feet, just as he always did. His eyes were so expressive; they usually reflected his eagerness just to spend time with her. This day, however, they only reflected worry.

“What is the matter, Joseph?” Mary inquired.

“Mary, my love, I just found out that there is to be a new tax.”

“Do we not have the money to pay it?” Failure to pay a tax could result in the head of the home being sent to prison, or worse, to the galleys.

“No, that is not the problem. The problem is that it must be paid in my hometown and you must go with me. Caesar is also taking a census, and for that reason we must go to Bethlehem, the town of my fathers.”

“The trip will be hard, Joseph. But God will protect this little one from harm. I’m not afraid.”

And so the plans were made. The trip was long. Sometimes Mary rode the small donkey they bought for the trip, but often she walked. Walking was more comfortable than bumping around on the donkey’s back. Bethlehem was a very busy place. They had not foreseen the trouble they would have finding a place to stay. As they went from inn to inn searching for a room, Mary began to feel the first pangs of labor. She didn’t tell Joseph at first, after all, what more could he do to find a place than what he was already doing. But it wasn’t long before he noticed her discomfort. Perhaps it was her sharp intake of breath that made him look back at her.

“Are you alright, Mary?”

Mary nodded, but her face betrayed the pains that she felt. Joseph, feeling a stronger sense of urgency, became even more adamant at the next inn. Finally the innkeeper must have felt pity for them. He offered the only room he had left – a stable. Joseph accepted. Mary was troubled, how could she give birth in such a place, amid the animals and the dirt. But Joseph was able to prepare a soft bed on clean hay; the blankets they brought helped to shield her from the poking straw. Despite the less than desirable conditions, there were no other options. The Baby must be born here, but better here than on the streets.

And so He was. The birth went quickly after she was settled, and soon she held the baby Emmanuel in her arms. Oh the splendor and the humility. She, chosen to care for the Creator. The One who had formed her in her mother’s womb, now lay helpless in her arms. The stable itself seemed to glow with His presence. It could not have looked more beautiful to Mary had it been a palace.

Later that evening Joseph and Mary were surprised to have visitors. Several men came to the entrance of the stable, asking to see the baby. Joseph was reluctant, but when Mary heard them speak of angels, she knew they could not be refused. They came in and knelt before the manger that had been put to use as Jesus’s bed. They did not stay long, but soon went on their way rejoicing.

As Mary thought about these events, she sat in wonder. What kind of man was Jesus to be? Maybe He wouldn’t become a mighty king as she had imagined he would. Perhaps He was to take His place among the most humble of His people. Why else would He be born in a stable? Why else would the angels announce His arrival to shepherds of all people? Mary treasured these thoughts as she settled in for a needed rest. Who knew what tomorrows would bring? But she rested in the thought that God had it all planned, to the last detail, and it was not for her to know it all. But Mary knew that she wouldn’t forget the happenings of the last few months. Perhaps one day, the world would want to know about His birth. Would they celebrate it as a part of God’s greater plan?

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Images Courtesy of Graphics By Irene

Story copyright Charity M. December 2006. The author kindly requests that you seek her permission before using this story in any form. Thank you.