As we near the end of our story, it is nearly the end of the time in Bethlehem for Joseph and Mary. What will become of them now? Where will they go? What will they do? In the book TWO FROM GALILEE, it becomes clear just about this time. (Many thanks to Marjorie Holmes who authored the book we are using to bring the gist of Christ's birth to the blogging world.)
For forty days the rude little stable was their home. Each night the great star stood over the cave's entrance. Joseph had never seen such a star, illuminating the entire countryside. Dazed, he told Mary, "I'm afraid there may be others coming to see the child." "Let them come," she murmured. "Oh, Joseph, isn't he lovely? Just look at him--see, his eyes are open. He knows us! He's trying to smile."
Joseph, trying to tone down her enthusiasm just a bit, said, "Foolish---all babies smile like that; they don't know what they're doing." "Oh! But this one does. Our baby does." Their baby.....Joseph bent over her where she stood unwinding the baby's swaddling bands. She did this several times a day and was now adept at changing him and exercising him. Now, with confidence, she poured a little oil on her hands and massaged the tiny squirming body, the flailing fists, and the curved, kicking legs. Then she dusted the baby with powdered myrtle leaves, the scent of it wonderful to Joseph. It stirred him deeply. He bent nearer and stuck out his finger, and the child clung to it, giving Joseph a picture of intense trust. The babe tugged, directing the finger toward his mouth. Joseph laughed, but recognized his blind adoration for his child. If not the child of his loins, yet Jesus was the child of his love.
The fire glowed night and day for Joseph went out each day and brought back fuel, as well as bread and juice and water. Even sweets, which they ate, sometimes secretly in the still of the night. They took turns as they could with the focus of their lives, their little son.
Starlight poured through the chink of window, joining the light of the fire, all throwing long shadows. They could hear voices of people from the courtyard and music and laughter floating down from the inn. Camels brayed, harnesses clanked, baggage bumped. All together, there was a kind of music, for their strange, lovely dream.
And there were other visitors, sometimes, as Joseph supposed. Some were curious, some skeptical, but some came who, like the shepherds, came to adore, marveling and going away rejoicing.
(End of Today's story)
This was a shorter message today; a longer one will come tomorrow. For the tomorrows of our life are like this story--no matter what tomorrow brings--bitter or sweet for us to eat-- we have faith that life will go on just fine, just right. And with Jesus as our guide and friend, we can taste the bitter and swallow the sweet as long as He is by our side.
We can do this! Yes, we can!
Jo INMN
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