The First Christmas

Mary: The journey has been so long and I’m so cold and tired. The pains have been coming for some time now. Little did I know I would be on the back of a donkey in the midst of my labor. I long for my bed and soft warm covers. Women to comfort and help me. Poor Joseph, if he has to do it all on his own.

Nothing has been ordinary since the visit from the Angel. Why should You, most Holy One, choose me? Such a lowly insignificant girl, to be the mother of the Savior.

Well, You did, and I accepted, and here I am, riding on a donkey, headed for Bethlehem. Will we make it in time? You have worked everything out so far. I will continue to trust You. You will find a place for us, a place for His birth.

Joseph: Oh most Holy One of Israel, blessed be Your Name. I see the lights of Bethlehem twinkling in the distance. Many camp fires, so many people. We hadn’t planned to make this trip with Mary so close to her time. But when Rome makes a command, one must obey.

So much has happened in the last little while. I almost cast Mary aside. I couldn’t believe she would do such a thing. When she returned from her trip to see Elizabeth, she was so obviously pregnant. The gossip raged through the town like wild fire. What could I do but divorce her?

Then You, Oh Holy One, spoke to me of Your plan for us, for Your people, for the world. I took my sweet Mary as wife, and here we are.

I know her pains are increasing in strength. Will we make it in time? Will there be women to help? Well, I needn’t worry. You have gotten us through so much already. He is Your Son after all. You will provide a place for His birth.

Jesus: Amongst the earthy smells and warm breath of the animals, in a manger born, the Son of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. EMANUEL-GOD WITH US!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6