It was early! Joseph got up long before Mary to check the caravan one more time. He checked the ropes and ties on the wagon; He wiggled every knot to be sure they were secure. He fed the animals and counted the water jugs one more time. he knew there would be places to refill along the way but he wanted to be on the safe side. He checked the hoofs on the smallest donkey, the one Mary could use, if she wanted to. Everything seems to be in order. He began to hear Mary moving about! It was near time!
"Mary; Mary, are you okay?" He noticed Mary holding the lower part of her belly. He wondered if she was feeling that same soft discomfort again. "Oh, I'm okay Joseph; He is just a little more active this morning." Mary continued putting the things together that she personally wanted to have near her on this trip. No sense in trying to search for her personal items in all that stuff; but having them near her will be much more comforting as the would be long trip. "When did you say we would stop for the night; Joseph?"
The first few days were long but exciting. Their first real trip together! It was good to stop and when their camp was set up; the pause felt not only welcoming but restful and refreshing. The third night as Mary laid her head down, the baby inside her began to move about with a little bit more vigor. She moved her hand slowly around her tummy and thought about when she would be holding him in her arms. Every now and again she would fill a cramp, every so
slightly!
As Joseph moved the door flap to welcome the morning, he wondered about this part of the journey. Mary is not as refreshed as she was when they started. He himself is becoming a bit more weary. I must not let her see that I am tired; I know most of it is worrying about her! Mary got up feeling somewhat invigorated! She wondered; "Where is this energy coming from?" She helped as much as they would let her, to get ready to be back on the road. She helped Joseph inspect the wagon again. They smiled at each other as though they had a secret!
Even though they had known each other for sometime; now that they were living together they have found an unexpected solace in each other. Mary was already comfortable with Joseph and he was becoming enamored with her. This trip was good for both of them because they were finding their need for each other growing more and more everyday.
As they slowly came upon a well, Joseph began to get the water jugs down. Mary felt that pain again but this time it was a little stronger. She tried to control her breathing, but Joseph looked up at her. She knew he was worried, so she pointed her finger and said; "Look!" He turned and noticed some birds flying over head. Good, he thought; we are getting closer.
As they both laid down near each other, Joseph thanked the Lord quietly that they would be in Bethlehem tomorrow. It has been a long trip and a fairly good trip but his thoughts were filled with Mary and her condition. Mary, on the other hand still was not use to laying in a room with a man near her. They weren't together, but he was right there! Mary thanked the Lord that after tomorrow she would be able to rest much longer and perhaps her time would time.
Joseph couldn't believe his ears! Mary was filled with anxiety! What does the Inn Keeper mean? How can this be? No room! Their little band of travelers stood there in the cold, damp street, looking all around; wondering what to do next. The Innkeeper opened the door wider and said; "I am so sorry there is no room in the Inn; I do have a shelter where the animals stay. At least you would be dry, but as you can see, everyone has come to town to take part in the census." "Because there was no place for them in the Inn!" Luke 2:7c Mary looked at Joseph and was comforted. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/17/09
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