Joseph was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling of his one room house. he was exhausted, and yet, he couldn't seem to close his eyes. What was he to do? He loved Mary; he didn't want to expose her to public disgrace. It would probably be best to divorce her quietly. He couldn't believe what he was thinking. However, this was probably the best decision for all.
"Joseph, son of David"! "Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife. What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name of Jesus. He will save his people from their sins! All this is to take place to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet; "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel....Which means, God with us".
Joseph woke with a start! He sat straight up in bed, shaken by the dream he had. Slowly as he sat up, he finally knew what he should do.
Mary couldn't believe it! She was Joseph's wife! She was in his home and she was safe!
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a degree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register.
With warranted concern, Joseph packed and prepared to travel from the town of Nazareth in Gailiee to Bethlehem, the town of David, in Judea; because he belonged to the house and line of David. He needed to register there with Mary! She was very far along and this journey would be difficult for her.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, people were scurrying everywhere. Joseph, irritated with himself that he wasn't prepared for this, knowing that everyone would be here to register, started knocking on doors to find a place for lodging. "Joseph"! Mary cried out to him! He ran back to her and realized that it was time. Panic was moving in quickly and Joseph began running from door to door trying to find room for him and Mary. No one would take them in; No one! Holding Mary in his arms, out of the corner of his eye, Joseph saw the previous Innkeeper that he had just spoken with, waving him over.
As Mary and Joseph stood in the doorway of the small cave, exhaustion was taking over. The noise from the few animals it housed and the odor that accompanied them brought quiet tears to Joseph's eyes. He didn't want this for Mary, yet; there was no other option. Mary, didn't seem to care! She spotted a pile of clean straw and quickly started preparing.
Joseph had gathered himself and began trying to make Mary as comfortable as possible. In the early hours of the morning, she gave birth to her first born; a son! A beautiful boy with dark brown hair and deep brown, knowing eyes. His healthy cry made Mary and Joseph laugh for they knew he was strong. Mary had brought cloths with her and Joseph took them and carefully wrapped.....Jesus.....and gently laid him in Mary's arms. By: Dan Crenshaw 12/08
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