The Story of Mary: Catholic Version:II Another Special Birth - Ch. 11 Special Visitors

“Mary,” her midwife helper said, “here is your son. Now you need to learn to feed him.” She kneeled next to Mary and helped her rearrange her garments so her breasts were accessible and positioned the baby in Mary’s arms with his cheek against Mary’s breast. Immediately the child began looking for her nipple and in no time latched on and began to suck. When it seemed he was satisfied and looked as if he were falling asleep, Mary looked about for a place for him.

“Here,” said Rachel, indicating the manger, “This will be perfect. We’ll make sure the animals are kept away for now.”

Mary tenderly laid the newborn, now wrapped tightly in layers of cloth, in the manger and knelt at the side of the manger, gazing in wonder at the sleeping infant. Joseph came and knelt by her side and also looked wonderingly at the child.

“So,” Rachel asked, “Has this baby been assigned a name?” Traditionally, naming was a significant rite shared by the family. “You two seem to be all alone here. How will you name this baby? Or do you know what its name is to be?”

“Jesus,” offered Joseph.

“Yes?” Rachel looked inquiringly at Mary.

“Yes,” responded Mary.

“Saviour –” Rachel said, “unusual, but an honourable name. Well, when he is circumcised you can decide for sure.”  

Suddenly the tranquility of the moment was broken by a commotion outside the home. Before Salmon and Rachel had time to see what was going on a swarm of shepherds invaded their space. Caught up in the press, Joseph’s other children had also returned to the cave with these intruders. The visitors seemed all excited about something and kept talking about blinding light, angels and singing in the night sky. They all suddenly became subdued when they saw the baby in the manger and dropped to their knees, bowing face to the ground, loudly praising The Highest One.

By this time, Salmon had appeared and between himself and Rachel tried to bring some order to the scene. “What is going on here?” Salmon bellowed.

One of the older shepherds, probably their chief, stood up and bowed in the direction of the four, “Sirs, ladies, we beg your pardon. We were tending our sheep and suddenly the sky was ablaze with light and we saw an angel descend in front of us. We were all paralyzed with fear, naturally. Wouldn’t you be? But this angel told us, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: 2:11Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. 2:12This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger (Luke 2:8-12).”

“So, we came looking in the town for where a baby had been born and some people knew a very pregnant woman had come here last evening so here we are (Luke 2:15)!”

“And here is this baby in a manger, just as the angel said. It’s a miracle!” the shepherd dropped to his knees with his comrades again.Turning back, he raised his arms wide and said, 2:13“Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 2:14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased (Luke 2:13-14)!”

Salmon and Rachel were speechless, ‘What was going on?’ 

Then the shepherds all tried to repeat the story to them and others who had heard the noise and were beginning to gather outside and peer into the door. They kept on praising Jehovah and finally, turning with one last bow to the astonished foursome, vanished into the night, calling out continued praise as they went. 

Salmon and Rachel turned back to Joseph and Mary, “This is unbelievable; I don’t know what to make of this,” Rachel exclaimed, “What do you make of it? This baby, the Messiah, the Saviour? Indeed, you did say his name was going to be Jesus.”

“Yes, yes, we did,” Mary said quietly. 

“I don’t know,” interjected Salmon, “It just doesn’t seem to make sense. But hey,” he said, gesturing towards Rachel, “these poor folks have had quite a day. I’m sure they need a rest.” Waving his arm around the dark chamber he added, “Sorry again about the lodgings. We can take care of business in the morning and try to find you some better lodgings.”

“Oh, thank you,” replied Joseph and Mary, almost in unison, “How can we ever thank you for all you’ve done. Our Jehovah will surely bless you for your kindness.”

“Oh,” protested Salmon, “We really have not done anything much worthy of blessing. Shalom to you!”  

“We will bring back more oil for the lamp,” said Rachel, “You will need a little light to get your bearings when the baby is hungry again. And I will bring some water to drink too. You must be thirsty after all that.”

Suddenly, Joseph and Mary realized they too were hungry. When the hosts had gone, they unwrapped the last of their food and the family ate it before Rachel reappeared with more oil for the lamp and the promised water. They thanked her and drank some to quench their thirst before lying down together, exhausted, on the straw next to the manger. It wasn’t long before the children were asleep and eventually Mary heard Joseph’s even breathing signifying he was asleep. But her mind was too full of all that had happened and how it connected with the visits of the angels to herself and Joseph. She raised herself on her elbow and made out the form of her calmly sleeping infant. She reached out to touch his cheek again. He stirred momentarily and then settled. With that, Mary’s heat seemed to swell with an unbearable joy and feeling of contentment. She lay back down and snuggled up against Joseph as the chill of the night began to make itself felt. Eventually, her fatigue overtook her thoughts and she too fell asleep.

The Story of Mary: Catholic Version: II Another Special Birth - Ch. 10 The Birth of Jesus

(Based on Luke 2 & Gospel of James 19-20)

Before he left in search of a midwife, Joseph had the presence of mind still to throw his cloak down on the straw for Mary to lie down on. The homeowner’s wife was running back towards their area of the house yelling at her husband and family. In short order, she was back with a burning lamp that she placed on the flat top of a stone in the wall where it protruded from the one above it. Soon a child whom Joseph judged to be one of their children appeared with a basin of warm water which which her mother placed near Mary’s feet. Straightening up, Rachel turned around and saw Joseph and his sons, “What? You still here? Go and find a midwife! Hurry!”

As Joseph and his sons set out in the fading daylight, they saw a womancoming down from the hill-country. Probably identifying them as travellers, she greeted them and asked them, “Where are you going?”

Joseph responded, “I am seeking a Hebrew midwife.”

She answered, “You are of Israel?” 

“Yes,” Joseph answered hopefully. Then he told her he had a woman that needed her help, and that she was in a nearby cave. He did not say wife, or anything else more definitive, as he was still sometimes unsure, especially with strangers, of how to describe this enigmatic woman whom destiny had brought into his life.

Perhaps picking up on that lack of clarity, the woman said: “Who is it then that is bringing forth in the cave?”

Joseph answered, “A womanbetrothedto me.”

Then the woman said to him: “Is she not your wife?”

Joseph answered: “It is Mary that was reared in the temple of the Lord, and I obtained her by lot as my wife. And yet she is not my wife, but has conceived of the Holy Spirit.”

The midwifelooked at him, the questions obvious in her eyes, “Is this true?”

Joseph said to her: “Just come and see. We need you. You are a midwife? God has lead us to you if so. I will pay you whatever is necessary for your help.” So, the woman, who was indeed a midwife, named Salome as she told them, went with him to the cave. As they entered, they saw a luminous cloud overshadow the cave and fill it with an eerie light. The midwife said: “Now I am seeing strange things. My soulhas been magnified this day because of this.” And immediately the cloud disappeared out of the cave, and a great light shone in the cave, so that their eyes could not bear it.

Just then Mary gasped again as pain struck her once more. Salome looked at her protruding abdomen, then up to meet Mary’s eyes, “Are you in labour?” 

“I don’t know,” Mary panted, maybe? She looked beseechingly into the woman’s eyes, “What can I do?”  

Joseph’s mind was in turmoil. What was happening to their trip? What seemed to be unfolding in front of him was not something he had at all anticipated!

In spite of the blinding light that enveloped them all, the midwife approached Mary and offered to help, as she could hear from the sounds Mary was making that she was indeed in labour. Meanwhile, Joseph shepherded his sons away from the cave, as it was not appropriate for them to be part of what was transpiring there. 

Salome, meanwhile had helped Mary settle comfortably onto the straw. She asked Joseph to sit at Mary’s head. Joseph was willing to comply. It seemed that someone knew what she was doing. He sure did not know what to do. 

Just then Mary had another of her pains. “Yes, Mary,” Salome said, “I think you are going to have a baby.”  Joseph’s eyes widened and he had to struggle to calm the panic he felt coming over him. 

“Joseph,” the midwife said, “put your legs alongside Mary and let her rest on your chest. It will give her support and make it easier for her. At some point she will have to push and you can be what she pushes against!” 

Joseph meekly followed the woman’s instructions. He had no other ideas. Meanwhile, she was helping rearrange Mary’s garments to make room for the baby to be born.

Mary was young, strong and healthy, and it was not long before she cried, “I think the baby is starting to come!” 

. 

The woman of the house, Rachel, was still present and she called to her husband, “Ephraim! A knife and more clean water!” and he appeared with a knife which he lay beside the lamp and took the basin of water away and then returned with it filled with clean warm water again.

“Mary,” she said, “I know it is hard, but if you can squat – Joseph can put his arms under yours and help you up, it will be much better.”

The couple continued to follow their helper’s suggestions. When it was evident Mary was having another contraction, she was instructed to push. Joseph had braced himself against her to keep her upright. A few contractions later a head of black hair appeared and with the next contraction they saw the whole head. 

“Try to relax and take some deep breath between the pains,” Salome said gently. She worked with Mary and as she did so the light gradually decreased, until the infant appeared. Suddenly the baby cried, just as Mary felt another pain coming on. With a cry and extra strain on her part, the baby emerged in its entirety and into a cluster of clean torn cloths Salomewas holding at the ready. The baby cried again as she wrapped it in the cloth – it was a boy – Rachel had brought, and lifted him up to Mary’s breast and laid it between her and Mary. 

Then Salome reached for the knife and, passing it through the flame, cut the umbilical cord. After quickly tying the ends in knots she began to bath the baby with the water in the basin. Mary began to wrap her newborn more tightly in the cloths when Salome told her, “You are not done yet, there is still the afterbirth.” A few pushes later Mary rid herself of that and suddenly she felt a whole lot better. Instead of the pain filling her mind she was now filled with wonder at this miracle in front of them. What an amazing thing had just happened!

“Joseph,” she whispered turning her fact up towards his, squeezing his hands once more, “This is Jesus.” 

Joseph did not know whether to laugh or cry. Nor for that matter did Mary. 

The Story of Mary: Catholic Version: II Another Special Birth - Ch. 9 On the Road again

The Story of Mary: Catholic Version: II Another Special Birth - Ch. 9 On the Road again

(Based on Luke 2 and the Gospel of James 17-20 )

When Joseph stepped out to go to back to work again one morning some months later, he saw some Roman soldiers posting a notice at the market. He wondered what it was about but did not want to approach the site while the soldiers were there. Instead, he waited around until they were gone and then asked others who went forward to read it what it said. They told him that it was an order form the Governor Quirinius in Syria, saying that the Roman Emperor Augustus wanted everyone to be enrolled. Galilee was ruled from Damascus at this time.

Just when he thought things had been sorted out, here came another dilemma. ‘I shall enroll my sons,’ Joseph thought, but what shall I do with this maiden? With Mary? How shall I enrol her? As my wife? I am ashamed to do that when she is pregnant but not by me. As my daughter then? But all the sons of  Israel know that she is not my daughter.’ After mulling this over in his mind for some time, Joseph concluded with resignation, ‘The Lord shall itself bring it to pass as the Lord will. He has his hand in all of this. I just need to obey.’

So, Joseph informed Mary and his sons of this change in plans. They made arrangements to go south of Jerusalem to the village of Bethlehem, as Joseph knew both he and Mary were descended from David, and that Bethlehem was regarded as the city of origin of their clan. Because Mary was pregnant he obtained the services of a donkey for her to ride. Joseph then arranged for the care of his younger children and, having stocked up with some provisions for the journey, as well as making sure he had some money for food and lodging, they set out.

In doing this, Joseph was honouring family rights that went back to King David’s time. Most of his descendants, like so many of their people, had been wiped out over the years, what with the invasions of the Assyrians, then the Babylonians and in more recent times, the Greeks and now Romans. So, there was only a small lineage left that was still privileged to have land claims there. ‘Although,’ thought Joseph, ‘ it’s not much of a privilege when you consider we have to interrupt our lives just to go there at the census time to verify our claims there.’

So it was that arrangements were completed and a few days later found Joseph, Mary James and Joseph Jr. retracing the steps Mary and James had taken only some 8 months before. The plan was to complete the business in Bethlehem, then stop off at Mary’s relatives in Jerusalem to give their greetings before returning home.

The sun was low in the West a few days later as the weary travellers saw the towers of Jerusalem in the distance as they turned south to Bethlehem. They trudged wearily across the low valley and up the eastern slope of the hill on which Bethlehem lay. They were trying to get there as fast as they could because Mary had begun to complain of backache, which, as they approached the town, seemed to begin to come and go in waves. Mary did not want to alarm Joseph so had not told him of this latest change in her pain. He just believed she was tired from being pregnant and walking that distance, and wanted to get them a place for her to rest. 

When they had come within three miles of their destination, Joseph turned and saw Marry sorrowful; and he said to himself: ‘Likely that which is in her distresses her.’ And again, Joseph turned and saw her laughing. Then he said to her: “Mary, how is it that I see in your face at one time laughter, at another sorrow?”

Mary said to Joseph: “Because I see two peoples with my eyes; the one weeping and lamenting, and the other rejoicing and exulting.” Joseph was not one to ask many questions but that answer had not really been satisfying. Giving it some thought as they trudged doggedly on, he wondered whether it had to do with the messages Mary had been given about how the birth of this baby would affect their people and left it at that. Sometimes Mary, with her deep thoughts, was hard to figure out.

They had not gone much farther along in silence when Mary said to Joseph: Please take me down from off the ass, for that which is in me presses to come forth. And he took her down from off the ass.

“Ah, that feels a bit better,” Mary said as she stood leaning against the donkey. 

But then Joseph said to her: “Where shall I take you, and cover your disgrace? For the place is like a desert and night is coming.” Joseph spoke of childbirth as a disgrace, because, again, according to their customs, the opening of the body with childbirth and the messy loss of all those fluids and blood was seen as making a person unclean according to their law. 

Joseph took hold of the rope and led the donkey on, with Mary and his sons following, on foot. There had been others on the road with them, also coming to Jerusalem and Bethlehem because of the census. Joseph had his own little worry – that there would be no place for them to stay. They finally did come to a place where they could see some other travellers about the premises so Joseph concluded this could be a place that was making space available for travellers. 

They turned aside and Joseph inquired as to whether they had room for two more. The owner of the house was at first dismissive and said they had no room, but apologized when he saw Mary and said they were already full and really could do no more. In response to Joseph’s query as to whether there were other places to stay, he really could not say. Joseph was considering going on to look for himself when a sudden cry came from Mary and he turned in dismay as he saw her crumple to the ground. The owner’s wife came out at that point and seeing Mary in her condition ran to help her and turned and said sternly to her husband, “Ephraim, they can stay in the loft above the animals. At least they can rest there and it will even be a little warmer. At least it will be shelter.” Turing back to Mary she said, “Poor child, having to come all this way in your condition.” With her help, Joseph pulled Mary to her feet and placed his arm inside hers to support her more firmly as they were led to the dark area at the side of the house where the lady helped Mary up some steps and quickly pushed together some heaps of straw for the weary travellers to lie down on. As they looked around in the gathering gloom of evening and became accustomed to the dark, they realized that they were really in something of a cave, together with some of the owner’s animals. But at least it was some place to rest. Joseph’s concern for Mary mounted though. He sensed she was going to give birth. How was he to handle this, away from anyone he knew, here with his sons too? There seemed to be only one choice. Leaving Mary in charge of the friendly woman of the house, Joseph and his sons set out to look for a midwife. The woman had told them who to look for and where they might find her.

Chapter 20 – Back to Nazareth at Last

NOTE: THESE CHAPTERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN A MUCH IMPROVED, EXPANDED BOOK, "A SWORD SHALL PIERCE YOUR SOUL" from FriesenPress

The young family stayed in Egypt for some time. As the days passed though, they prayed all the more earnestly for guidance as to when they should return to their homeland. Then, they received their answer.

The family had gone to sleep one night as usual. They had heard that King Herod had died but still they were uncertain. Then, Joseph became aware that he was again dreaming that an angel was speaking to him. This time he was less afraid than in the past. In fact, he was eager for the message, hoping it would be about going home. Sure enough, the angel spoke: “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead (Matthew 2:19-20).”

The reassuring message gave Joseph some peace and after reviewing the message and what they would now need to do, he fell asleep again. He did not think he needed to waken Mary to tell her now. When Mary woke in the morning though, he eagerly told her about his latest dream.

Mary was also glad for the news. They ate breakfast and Mary fed Jesus. Joseph again went to settle what he owed with the owner of their current home. He also found his employer, thanked him for the work he had and told him about their leaving. Joseph was a good worker and the man was sad to see him go but gave him his blessing and a small gift to help them on their way. The couple had sold their donkey some time after their arrival too, as they did not need it in the city and the extra money came in handy. Joseph knew the family he had sold it to still had it so he went to explain the circumstances and see if he could buy the donkey back. Sure enough, things worked out there too. All of this seemed to confirm to Joseph that they were making the right move.

So, later that morning, they set out (Matthew 2:21). They did not look forward to the long trek across the barren lands to Bethlehem but they did want to go home. When they reached Judea they met some of the citizens and talked over what had happened since they left. They heard the awful news of how Herod, intent on killing Jesus, Joseph knew, had sent and massacred all the children under age two. Mary was heartbroken when she heard this. It brought to her mind those troubling words of the prophet Simeon in the temple, the meaning of which she had never understood, but now began to catch a glimpse of, “This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected. Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul as well (Luke 2:34-5).” Her heart ached when she thought of all the families who would have lost their sons – she scarcely wanted to think of it – because of her son. She could not believe that was what Jehovah wanted, but that he, being The Highest One, would of course know what was going to happen. She certainly did not anticipate that someday this child in her arms would himself explain this troubling story to her.

And when they heard that Herod’s son Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, they began to be afraid to go there. The things they heard about him were no better than his father.  The night after receiving this news, while they were still travelling north along the sea, Joseph had another dream. He received a warning that confirmed their fears. After talking things over between them, they decided to go back to Galilee (Matthew 2:22). Eventually, they arrived back in Nazareth and lived there (Matthew 2:23). Again, they did not know it at the time, but this too was later shown to be a fulfilment of prophecy (Matthew 2:23).

Needless to see, Jacob and Naomi were overjoyed to see them back. It had been a long time. And what stories the young couple had to share! Naomi loved learning to be a grandmother to Jesus. He was the most delightful child she had ever known. As for Joseph and work, it turned out that the new king of Galilee, Herod Antipas, was on something of a building spree and, in fact, was trying to turn Sepphoris into an even more important centre. So, Joseph was fortunate in being able to go to work there again. It was not long either before Mary’s parents came from Jerusalem for a visit to be reunited with the couple and meet their grandson, of whom they had already heard so much even before he was born. Of course, they were also told the amazing stories Joseph and Mary had already shared with his parents. And they were as pleased as Joseph’s parents to see what a lovely child their grandson was turning out to be. They returned to Jerusalem confident that things were finally going well and all was still in Jehovah’s plans and he was no doubt working them out.

Chapter 18 – Settling in Bethlehem; More Surprise Visitors

NOTE: THESE CHAPTERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN A MUCH IMPROVED, EXPANDED BOOK, "A SWORD SHALL PIERCE YOUR SOUL" from FriesenPress

The family talked things over further over dinner and into the evening, recounting the unusual events of the past 10 months or so. Ultimately, they praised and thanked The Highest One for what he was doing and agreed they just had to leave things in the hands of Jehovah. They then all retired for the night at Benjamin and Hannah's home.

Next morning, Zechariah and Elizabeth bade the rest of them farewell and left with John for their home. Joseph and Mary then began to think about their own plans for returning to their home in Nazareth. They had not gone very far with that before there was a guest calling at the door for their uncle.

When Benjamin went to the door, an anxious-looking man bowed low before straightening up and saying that he had important but sad news to bring them. No one had been out of the home since they had returned from the Temple before so they had not heard or seen anything in the community.

The man related that a group of Galileans had revolted and attacked Sepphoris. As a result, Gov. Quirinius of Syria had sent in his troops and rather thoroughly demolished much of the residential area of the city. Needless to say, this was extremely distressing news for the family, especially Joseph and Mary.

Both of them anxiously demanded of the messenger whether he knew anything of the state of affairs with their parents. He went on to report that this was part of the reason for his appearance; he had been sent to reassure them that Joseph's parents were alright in Nazareth and Mary's parents had left the city as soon as the Galilean rebels head appeared, fearing the worst. They were temporarily staying with Jacob and Naomi but were planning to come back to Jerusalem. That was something of a relief to the young couple. Joseph was still concerned about his parents but the man indicated that things were quiet in Nazareth and it did not seem as if there would be any problems there. Benjamin thanked the man for his news and invited him in for some refreshments, considering the travel he had just undertaken.

This alarming news certainly changed thoughts about plans to return to Nazareth. After the man left, Uncle Benjamin and Aunt Hannah talked things over with Joseph and Mary. Their opinion was that the young couple might as well stay in Bethlehem for now, where they already had a place to live and from where Joseph was finding some work. The offered them to stay in Jerusalem to wait for the arrival of Mary's parents if they wished. However, the young couple decided they would like to return to their own home and would see about visiting with Mary's parents later.

So it was, that Mary and Joseph settled into life in Bethlehem and began to raise their precious son.  Mary's parents did relocate once again to Jerusalem, finding a place to live near the north end of the city and the Pool of Bethesda, where they had lived before. The young family were visited by the parents after their arrival in Jerusalem too. How glad they were to see them safe and sound and to hear again that Joseph's parents were alright.

Time passed, and things seem to be settling into a reasonably comfortable routine.  In spite of the number of unusual events that Joseph and Mary had been privy to over the last year and more, something that happened next was still totally unexpected. The young family was settling in for the night one evening when there was a big commotion outside their door. Suddenly a voice with an unfamiliar accent asked if this was the home of Joseph and Mary and the child who was to be king! Joseph and Mary looked at each other, panic rising in their hearts. Joseph hesitated, but then motioned for Mary and the baby to stay back and went to the door.

There to his amazed eyes he saw a retinue of ornately decorated camels with richly dressed riders perched atop them. There were several other men milling about, holding the reins of the camels, whom Joseph judged to be the servants of the riders. The man at the door asked again, “Is there a new baby boy here?” Pointing up at the sky he went on, “See that star?” 

Joseph followed the man’s finger straight overhead. Well, yes, he had noticed that star on previous evenings, and also that it seemed to move over time, but had not paid it much attention. The man went on, “These men,” gesturing towards the camel riders, “are a group of men who study the significance of heavenly bodies. They believe this star indicates the birth of a great king. Therefore, they have set out from their homeland far east of here to come and find this king. They followed the star to your country. Naturally, we then went to the palace of your king, as where else would you expect a future king to be born (Matthew 2:1-2)?”

By this time some of the men were dismounting the camels and beginning to remove packages from the camels’ saddlebags. The spokesperson continued, “We got an audience with your King Herod. He had to call in your seers to find out what this was all about. They told him that in your religion’s holy writing a prophet once wrote that someday a child will be born in Bethlehem who will become king of the Jews. With that information we left Jerusalem and continued to follow the star and it did indeed lead us here. So, where is this baby (Matthew 2:3-6)?”

Joseph really did not know what else to do at that point in the face of this group but welcome these guests and show them in. He apologized for the humbleness of their abode, conscious of their own low place in society, but the guests were only interested in seeing the child. 

By now the distinguished-looking guests with their packages had assembled about Joseph and their spokesperson and all crowded in behind him when he turned to enter his home.

When their eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, illuminated only by the flickering light of an olive oil lamp, the men saw Mary in the back with the baby Jesus in her arms. They dropped to their knees, placing their bags beside them and fell forward, faces to the ground in obeisance to the one they believed would become a great king. Having completed that part of their homage they then, in turn, began to open their boxes of gifts and offer them to the family (Matthew 2:11). 

Mary gasped – gold, frankincense and myrrh! “Oh, but we can’t accept these,” she protested, reaching out one arm to indicate the gifts, “for what is this honour?” 

The men bowed again and then explained what they had already told Joseph outside. Mary hardly knew what to say. By now Joseph was at her side, listening again to the report of the visitors from the East. 

As the guests stood up to leave, one of them said in the best Aramaic he could muster, “Our mission is accomplished. We have seen the future king the star told us about. Now, your king has instructed us to let him know where we found the baby so he too can come and pay homage to this future great king.” Joseph and Mary both felt their chests tighten with that news. Did these men not know their king? Could he be trusted? But what could they say to these men?  Indeed, the men were bowing once more and again blessing the family and child. Joseph bowed in return and blessed them in return, wishing them a safe journey back. Both Joseph and Mary then thanked them sincerely for the gifts. Joseph also followed them out to bid them further farewell.

Mary’s Story - Chapter 16 – Special Visitors

NOTE: THESE CHAPTERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN A MUCH IMPROVED, EXPANDED BOOK, "A SWORD SHALL PIERCE YOUR SOUL" from FriesenPress

“Mary,” her midwife helper said, “here is your son. Now you need to learn to feed him.” She kneeled next to Mary and helped her rearrange her garments so her breasts were accessible and positioned the baby in Mary’s arms with his cheek against Mary’s breast. Immediately the child began looking for her nipple and in no time latched on and began to suck. When it seemed he was satisfied and looked as if he were falling asleep, Mary looked about for a place for him.

“Here,” said Rachel, indicating the manger, “This will be perfect. We’ll make sure the animals are kept away for now.”

Mary tenderly laid the newborn, now wrapped tightly in layers of cloth, in the manger and knelt at the side of the manger, gazing in wonder at the sleeping infant. Joseph came and knelt by her side and also looked wonderingly at the child.

“So,” Rachel asked, “Has this baby been assigned a name?” Traditionally, naming was a significant rite shared by the family. “You two seem to be all alone here. How will you name this baby? Or do you know what its name is to be?”

“Jesus,” offered Joseph.

“Yes?” Rachel looked inquiringly at Mary.

“Yes,” responded Mary.

“Saviour –“ Rachel said, “unusual, but an honourable name. Well, when he is circumcised you can decide for sure.”  

Suddenly the tranquility of the moment was broken by a commotion outside the home. Before Salmon and Rachel had time to see what was going on a swarm of shepherds invaded their space. They seemed all excited about something and kept talking about blinding light, angels and singing in the night sky. They all suddenly became subdued when they saw the baby in the manger and dropped to their knees, bowing face to the ground, loudly praising The Highest One.

By this time Salmon had appeared and between himself and Rachel tried to bring some order to the scene. “What is going on here?” Salmon bellowed.

One of the older shepherds, probably their chief, stood up and bowed in the direction of the four, “Sirs, ladies, we beg your pardon. We were tending our sheep and suddenly the sky was ablaze with light and we saw an angel descend in front of us. We were all paralyzed with fear, naturally. Wouldn’t you be? But this angel told us, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: 2:11Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. 2:12This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger (Luke 2:8-12).”

“So, we came looking in the town for where a baby had been born and some people knew a very pregnant woman had come here last evening so here we are (Luke 2:15)!”

“And here is this baby in a manger, just as the angel said. It’s a miracle!” the shepherd dropped to his knees with his comrades again.Turning back, he raised his arms wide and said,  2:13“Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 2:14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased (Luke 2:13-14)!”

Salmon and Rachel were speechless, ‘What was going on?’ 

Then the shepherds all tried to repeat the story to them and others who had heard the noise and were beginning to gather outside and peer into the door. They kept on praising Jehovah and finally, turning with one last bow to the astonished foursome, vanished into the night, calling out continued praise as they went. 

Salmon and Rachel turned back to Joseph and Mary, “This is unbelievable; I don’t know what to make of this,” Rachel exclaimed, “What do you make of it? This baby, the Messiah, the Saviour? Indeed, you did say his name was going to be Jesus.”

“Yes, yes we did,” Mary said quietly. 

“I don’t know,” interjected Salmon, “It just doesn’t seem to make sense. But hey,” he said, gesturing towards Rachel, “these poor folks have had quite a day. I’m sure they need a rest.” Waving his arm around the dark chamber he added, “Sorry again about the lodgings. We can take care of business in the morning and try to find you some better lodgings.”

“Oh, thank you,” replied Joseph and Mary, almost in unison, “How can we ever thank you for all you’ve done. Our Jehovah will surely bless you for your kindness.”

“Oh,” protested Salmon, “We really have not done anything much worthy of blessing. Shalom to you!”  

“We will bring back more oil for the lamp,” said Rachel, “You will need a little light to get your bearings when the baby is hungry again. And I will bring some water to drink too. You must be thirsty after all that.”

Suddenly, Joseph and Mary realized they too were hungry. When the hosts had gone, they unwrapped the last of their food and ate it before Rachel reappeared with more oil and the promised water. They thanked her and drank some to quench their thirst before lying down together, exhausted, on the straw next to the manger. It wasn’t long before Mary heard Joseph’s even breathing signifying he was asleep. But her mind was too full of all that had happened and how it connected with the visits of the angels to herself and Joseph. She raised herself on her elbow and made out the form of her calmly sleeping infant. She reached out to touch his cheek again. He stirred momentarily and then settled. With that, Mary’s heart seemed to swell with an unbearable joy and feeling of contentment and peace. She lay back down and snuggled up against Joseph as the chill of the night began to make itself felt. Eventually, her fatigue overtook her thoughts and she too fell asleep.

Mary’s Story – Chapter 15 – Jesus is Born

NOTE: THESE CHAPTERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN A MUCH IMPROVED, EXPANDED BOOK, "A SWORD SHALL PIERCE YOUR SOUL" from FriesenPress

The sun was low in the West as the young couple saw the towers of Jerusalem in the distance as they turned south to Bethlehem. They trudged wearily across the low valley and up the eastern slope of the hill on which Bethlehem lay. They were trying to get there as fast as they could because Mary had begun to complain of backache, which, as they approached the town, seemed to begin to come and go in waves. Mary did not want to alarm Joseph so had not told him of this latest change in her pain. He just believed she was tired from being pregnant and walking that distance, and wanted to get them a place for her to rest. 

There had been others on the road with them, also coming to Jerusalem and Bethlehem because of the census. Joseph had his own little worry – that there would be no place for them to stay. They finally did come to a place where they could see some other travellers about the premises so Joseph concluded this could be a place that was making space available for travellers. 

They turned aside and Joseph inquired as to whether they had room for two more. The owner of the house was at first dismissive and said they had no room, but apologized when he saw Mary and said they were already full and really could do no more. In response to Joseph’s query as to whether there were other places to stay, he really could not say. Joseph was considering going on to look for himself when a sudden cry came from Mary and he turned in dismay as he saw her crumple to the ground. The owner’s wife came out at that point and seeing Mary in her condition ran to help her and turned and said sternly to her husband, “Ephraim, they can stay in the loft above the animals. At least they can rest there and it will even be a little warmer. At least it will be shelter.” Turing back to Mary she said, “Poor child, having to come all this way in your condition.” With her help joseph pulled Mary to her feet and placed his arm inside hers to support her more  firmly as they were led to the dark area at the side of the house where the lady helped Mary up some steps and quickly pushed together some heaps of straw for the weary travellers to lie down on. 

When Mary gasped again as pain struck her once more, the woman looked at her protruding abdomen, then up to meet Mary’s eyes, “Are you in labour?” 

“I don’t know,” Mary panted, maybe? She looked beseechingly into the woman’s eyes, “What can I do?”  

Joseph’s mind was in turmoil. What was happening to their trip? What seemed to be unfolding in front of him was not something he had at all anticipated!

Joseph had the presence of mind still to throw his cloak down on the straw for Mary to lie down on. The homeowner’s wife was running back towards their area of the house yelling at her husband and family. In short order, she was back with a burning lamp that she placed on the flat top of a stone in the wall where it protruded from the one above it. Soon a child whom Joseph judged to be one of their children appeared with a basin of warm water which, following her mother’s instructions, she placed near Mary’s feet.

The woman, meanwhile had helped Mary settle comfortably onto the straw. Having learned their names, she asked Joseph to sit at Mary’s head. Joseph was glad to do so. It seemed that someone knew what she was doing. He sure did not know what to do. 

Just then Mary had another of her pains. “Yes, Mary,” the lady said, “I think you are going to have a baby.”  Joseph’s eyes widened and he had to struggle to calm the panic he felt coming over him. 

“Joseph,” the woman said, “put your legs alongside Mary and let her rest on your chest. It will give her support and make it easier for her. At some point she will have to push and you can be what she pushes against!” 

Joseph meekly followed the woman’s instructions. He had no other ideas. Meanwhile, she was helping rearrange Mary’s garments to make room for the baby to be born.

Mary was young, strong and healthy, and it was not long before she cried, “I think the baby is starting to come!” 

The woman yelled at her husband again and he appeared with a knife which he lay beside the lamp and took the basin of water away and then returned with it filled with clean warm water again.

“Mary,” she said, “I know it is hard, but if you can squat – Joseph can put his arms under yours and help you up, it will be much better.”

The young people continued to follow their helper’s suggestions. When it was evident Mary was having another contraction, she was instructed to push. Joseph had braced himself against her to keep her upright. A few contractions later a head of black hair appeared and with the next contraction they saw the whole head. 

“Try to relax and take some deep breath between the pains,” the woman said.

Suddenly the baby cried, just as Mary felt another pain coming on. With a cry and extra strain on her part, the baby emerged in its entirety and into a cloth the woman was holding at the ready. The baby cried again as she wrapped it in the cloth and laid it between her and Mary. She reached for the knife and, passing it through the flame, cut the umbilical cord. After quickly tying the ends in knots she began to bath the baby with the water in the basin. At the same time she told Mary, “You are not done yet, there is still the afterbirth. A few pushes later Mary rid herself of that and suddenly she felt a whole lot better. Instead of the pain filling her mind she was now filled with wonder at this miracle in front of them. What an amazing thing had just happened!

“Joseph,” she whispered turning her fact up towards his, squeezing his hands one more, giving him a kiss on the cheek, “It’s our Jesus.” 

Joseph did not know whether to laugh or cry. Nor for that matter did Mary.    

Mary’s story – Ch. 14 On the Road Again

NOTE: THESE CHAPTERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN A MUCH IMPROVED, EXPANDED BOOK, "A SWORD SHALL PIERCE YOUR SOUL" from FriesenPress

When Joseph stepped out to go to work one morning some months later, he saw some Roman soldiers posting a notice at the market. He wondered what it was about but did not want to approach the site while the soldiers were there. Instead, he turned and continued on to Sepphoris. When he got there, he stopped in at Joachim’s home to see if he was still there. He wanted to ask him if he knew what was going on. 

Joachim was still home and after exchanging greetings Joseph asked about the activity he had seen.

“Oh, that,” said Joachim, “Yes, seems the Roman Governor Quirinius from Damascus wants a census. They made a big to-do about it with an official proclamation at the market yesterday. We men all had to go and listen. No doubt checking to see whether they are getting the taxes they want. Taxes, taxes, taxes, that’s all they want. But what do we get? H-m-m-ph!” he snorted, “Usually nothing.” 

“Will this have much effect on us?” Joseph asked. 

“Well, yes, come to think of it. Our families still have rights to some land around Bethlehem. Rights that go back to King David’s time. Most of his descendants, like so many of our people, have been wiped out over the years. So, with the small lineage we have left, we are still privileged to have land claims there. Although it’s not much of a privilege when you consider we will have to go there at the census time to verify our claims there. We’ll have to make some plans to look after that when the time comes. Meanwhile, son,” Joachim said laying his hand on Joseph’s shoulder, “We’ve got a day’s work ahead of us.”

When he got home from Sepphoris that evening, Joseph asked his father about this business of land in Judea and having to go there at the census time. After thinking about it for some time, Jacob said, “Joseph, you are younger than I am. You know I can’t walk well for great distances. Why don’t you go on our family’s behalf. And take Mary with you to represent her family. She’s a woman but our Law has precedent that women can attest to their rights too. Especially if we give you proper documentation to take with you about that. You will be alright. You know the way. And it’s about time you pay a visit to that new relative in Zechariah and Elizabeth’s family and bring them a token of our well wishes.”

Mary, who had been listening to the conversation from the side, brightened up at that prospect. “Oh, father, do you think it would be alright for me to go and see Aunt Elizabeth and the new baby? That would be wonderful.”

Jacob replied, “Yes, it would be good, but we have to be careful. You are coming near to the time of having your own son. We don’t want to put you and this holy child you are carrying at risk. I will see again about hiring a donkey for you to ride on so we can do our best to ease your travel.”

“Oh father,” Mary replied, “that would be wonderful.”

The following evening at dinner Jacob sighed and began to speak, “I have tried all day to find a donkey for you to use Mary.  It seems with all this traveling to complete the census, there isn’t a donkey nearby available. Maybe we’ll have to rethink our travel plans for you and Joseph.”

Mary straitened up and looked at her father, then her mother, “Father, mother, I want to go, even if I have to walk. The Highest One who has cared for us so far will look after us even if we are walking.”

Jacob and Naomi glanced at each other. Both thought of how well things had turned out for the couple so far, despite their many earlier anxieties. Jacob spoke, slowly, “Mary, I believe you are right. We don’t want to tempt fate, but you are a servant of one who is higher than any other power.” Jacob also recalled a certain prophecy about the Messiah being born in Bethlehem but he did not want to bring that up. Then they would all be more anxious, thinking about the possibility of Mary giving birth away from family and home. 

So it was that arrangements were completed and a few days later found Joseph and Mary retracing the steps they had taken only some 8 months before. The plan was to complete the business in Bethlehem, then stop off at the relatives in Jerusalem to give their greetings before going on for a brief visit with Zechariah and Elizabeth and their newborn son.