If I don't go a little faster with my characters, we won't get through the Christmas nativity scene!!!
As I look again at our nativity scene by the window, Joseph seems to be the next character to reflect on. What a job for a man to try to understand a women's heart. It's hard in a normal situation but I don't remember the birth of Jesus being the typical birth. No way! Angels seem to appear in almost every scene. God visited. His anointing.
We are told that Joseph was a carpenter. One who tried to make a living with working his hands with wood every single day. His hands were probably rough and strong. His skin tough against any small splinter. We are not told of her personality but he was the man that Mary was in love with. The two of them were engaged and preparing for their wedding celebration someday.
He loved to go and visit Mary's house. Her mom was always ready to serve some hot herbed tea. The home was well kept and the smells were wonderful. They often had some warm biscuits that they served with their hot tea. With a touch of wild honey, it was delicious. Joseph wasn't able to visit near as often as he wished because working hard to make some extra money was a big goal for him. If he and Mary were going to furnish a home and live together, they would need some coins for pots and pans. A small bed. Mary would make some hand woven rugs. Even beginning a simple home in Nazareth wasn't free. Joseph was a man who worked hard for his earnings and paid his taxes.
One evening, he had some extra time to slip by and say hello to his dear girlfriend. He walked fast and his heart pounded with love for her. As they spent some time conversing about their day, Joseph noticed something was on Mary's mind. He could not put a finger on it. He still tried hard to figure women out but this one was tough. She seem peaceful. There seemed to be a glow of radiance on her face. Why? He knew deep in his heart that she was so beautiful but tonight she beamed. She didn't say anything to make him question her glowing face, so as they said their good byes for the night, he walked back to his home. This time, not so fast. He walked a bit slower with many things on his mind. He could not wait to have Mary as his wife.
It was only a few days later that he got news that Mary was leaving town. She wasn't sure how long she would be gone. She said that she needed to go and visit her cousin Elizabeth. Why was this so urgent? Elizabeth was old. She had no children that planned weddings, so what did Mary want with her? He did know that they were always good friends and you can't blame one for visiting family! Joseph stood along the road and waved to Mary as she made the journey to see Elizabeth. He knew he would miss her so much but she promised to return after a short time! This seemed to be a excellent time for him to really get those house furnishing completed. All his extra time would be focused on preparing to live with Mary. She looked back and waved to him. Mary knew she would miss Joseph to but she also knew that she had to go see Elizabeth! She had to!!! She wished she could share her vision and thoughts with everyone around her, especially Joseph, but she kept quiet. She was so happy for Zacharias and Elizabeth. She didn't fear her long journey because she was going to visit family and another pregnant women! They would have so much to talk about!
Finally, he got word that Mary has returned to town! He was so excited to tell her all the furniture he had made. He hoped she would like it! It was three months since he saw Mary and to waist one minute more would not be an option. He grabbed his cloak and ran out the door. He walked as fast as he could to get to her home quickly. As he walked up to the front door, he gave a gentle knock. He felt like bursting in and giving the biggest hug one could give, but he control his actions and waited till someone came to the door. It was Mary! There she was so pretty and sweet. It was so nice to finally look into her eyes and feel that dreamy feeling again! They greeted and she invited Joseph inside. As they sat by the table, they had so much to talk about. He told her about the furniture. She was delighted! Then she told him about Elizabeth and her travels. They couldn't talk real long because Mary said she was very tired from all her travels. She needed rest and a good nights sleep!
Mary was just as excited to see Joseph but inside she was a bit nervous. How was she to tell Joseph of her happenings? How was she to tell him what the angel had said? Did he even believe in angels? She was trying hard to figure out men. She loved Joseph and with working so hard while she was gone, she was even more proud of his accomplishments. She did know though that it wouldn't be long before she could not hide her small bulge at her waist. She prayed every day that somehow God himself would tell and explain this whole story to Joseph. As Joseph stood to say good bye, he asked her, "Is everything OK, Mary? You look extra tired. Is something on your mind?" Here goes! "Yes, 'something' is on my mind! I'm not sure how to say all this to you, Joseph. I hope you will understand. I hope you will not get upset."
"What is it? It's been weeks since we've seen each other. Did something happen to you? Did someone hurt you?"
"Nobody hurt me. Yes, I am OK, but something glorious did come upon me. An angel visited me a few months ago and said that I will be the mother of the Messiah. Me. The Holy Spirit came upon me and I am pregnant. Pregnant with a boy, God's son." She froze to see how Joseph would take this all in. It was a mouthful, so knew that! Oh, how she hoped he believed her!!!
Joseph was alone. What did Mary just tell him? How could this be? Why her? An angel visited her? This was much more than Joseph himself knew what to do with. News like this was not something he expected at all. Never. He knew that leaving Mary with so many questions, was not very comforting for her or himself, but it was the only way he knew to keep his cool. To believe such an odd story like this was hard. Women are complicated but this was too much. If it really was from God, maybe God himself should tell him!
Joseph laid in bed that night and could not sleep. What would he do about Mary? If she really was pregnant, he knew the ways of the people. They would laugh. He knew they would tell him to divorce Mary and get out of the relationship. A trust like this type broken between a betrothed couple was not to be fixed. Joseph was heartbroken. He felt like all his work and dreams of past months have been shattered. He laid very still in his bed. What should he do? He knew deep down in his heart that divorcing Mary would never be the right thing to do. He would never put her to shame. As one thought after the other passed through his mind, he finally feel asleep. But during the night, he had a dream. An angel appeared to him and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
Joseph sat up straight and he was never so shook up in life! What did he just dream? Was it really so? It must be because when you see an angel, you never forget the feeling! He felt sure that God had visited him just like he did to Mary! This was amazing! They were really going to be the care takers of the Son of God. This responsibility was more weight on his shoulders but he knew now what he really was to do. He was going to take Mary as his wife, just like the angel commanded him. He would keep Mary whole and a virgin until after this baby was born. This baby boy they would call Jesus!
The sun did not rise soon enough for Joseph. As soon as the daylight burst forth, he went straight to Mary's house again. This time he felt so different. When he left her house before, he was angry and mad inside. He felt betrayed and his dreams were crushed. Now, his feelings were completely different! He believed all Mary had told him and he believed even more the words from the angel! They now really had so much to talk about! He made no delay and as soon as he entered into Mary's house again, she knew God must have told him. Joseph apologized for his harsh words. To believe such a story was hard but now that he to had been visited by an angel, they together knew this to be true! Mary was so relieved to see Joseph excited and understanding instead of upset. She was again reminded that, "For nothing will be impossible with God."
The news of Mary's pregnancy spread like wild fire. Joseph and Mary did have the small wedding of their simple dreams. They were enjoying the nice furniture Joseph had made for them. But, their was a decree that went out from Caesar Augustus soon after they settled in their new home. He said that the whole world should be registered. Everyone was to go to their home town. Why now? What should they do? To go all those miles would be a hard journey. Mary was going to have this baby in a few weeks and to pack up and go now, seemed impossible. Again, they found themselves wondering how all this was going to work out. They asked lots of questions between the two of them but when it came down to it, they found themselves packing up their warmest clothes and bare neccesities. They were both nervous but they did as they were told and traveled towards Bethlehem!
Bethlehem was both of their ancestors town. To go and register was a lot to expect for this young couple but they loved each other so much and knowing God's plans were best, they headed off. It took days to travel there. They found shelter during the night and tried to get comfortable and sleep. They picked up their pace when they neared the busy little town. They knew they didn't have much farther and to get a room for tonight could be a tough job!
They walked through the streets with so many others unloading their belongings and trying to get settled before night fall. It was getting late and Mary was tired. Joseph was so proud of her for traveling all this way without complaining. She would just bare down and keep walking. She kept thinking this was all for a purpose. Staying focused on God's plan that they weren't sure how it was all going to pan out, was important. Joseph walked from inn to inn to try to get a room. It seemed that each inn was already packed! Everything was full! NO VACANCY! Joseph tried to keep his cool but it was hard because he knew how tired Mary was and she really, really needed a bed. And a good night's sleep!
One more inn was in sight. He would beg on his knees if he needed to! Just one room! Was that too much to ask? Again, the inn keeper looked stressed and tired to but he had no rooms. Joseph was determined to not give up! "Is there no place we can stay? Just a place out of the wind and cold! My wife is very pregnant! She is tired and all we need is somewhere warm and dry!" The inn keeper looked at Mary, then back at Joseph. What were they doing here? The man was right, that was for sure, they did need a place to stay! What should he do? The only thing that popped in his head was the stable. It had a few animals in it but plenty of room for one couple to spend the night! It was dry. Out of the cold and wind. The inn keeper meekly answered, "Excuse me, but I don't have much else to offer. If you would like to stay in my stable just around the back, you are welcome to that. I am sorry it's not much, but it's all I have available." "Anything, thank you sir!" Mary was relieved to finally be able to rest. Joseph was glad to finally get Mary off her feet!
They were escorted to the stable. Joseph slowly opened the creepy old door. It wasn't a clean room in the inn but it was good enough for one night! He quickly started to clean a small section and laid clean hay and straw on the floor. Mary unpacked some blankets she had in her leather sack. It didn't take them long to get settled before Mary was reminded of her pains she kept having on and off. Could it be labor? How was she to know? She waited, and then it happened again. A little stronger this time. She couldn't hide it from Joseph and she let him know that maybe their baby son would be born, tonight, in a stable! There was no way they could go anywhere else now! They had tried. They were both exhausted. They looked at each other knowing that God will help them ... no matter what!
Joseph did his best to help Mary with any discomfort she felt! He got fresh water. He looked around the stable for a bed for the baby if it were born tonight. There was a small manger that held the animals food. He emptied the animal food and cleaned it up really good. He asked Mary for another blanket to lay inside of the manger. Soon, Joseph heard a baby cry! Their son had been born! Tonight! Here! He looked and saw he was healthy with such a tiny figure. The baby cried as they washed him from birth. He was perfect! His face was so sweet. Mary lay very still taking in each moment by moment. Joseph had done well with helping her. They were both even more exhausted but inside they felt very wide awake! To experience this moment was what they waited for so long! Mary wrapped the baby boy in clothes that she had made with her very hands. She laid him in the manger Joseph prepared. They both already knew his name because of what the angel had said, but to say it together was glorious! "Jesus." "Jesus." "Jesus." They loved him already so much!
Throughout the next weeks, many things happened. Shepherds came to worship the baby. They said that the heavenly's told of Jesus' birth! Simeon and Anna, both older folks from the temple, blessed them and baby Jesus. Wisemen came and gave gifts. Joseph did find them a better place to stay until Mary gained her strength. They registered to pay their taxes. Staying in Bethlehem would be their home for just awhile. Mary needed rest. Jesus needed to stay warm. Even though they missed home, they were so happy to start their family in such a noble town! Only God could have worked out the small details for them! They both felt so blessed!
