Continuation of the synopsis of M. Holmes, TWO FROM GALILEE.... About Mary and Joseph and their soon to be born son..........
A robust, rollicking fellow met them at the ferry, smiling as another fare entered. "It's good for my pocket," he said, "I may soon have enough to pay my taxes! Where you heading, friends?"
"Bethlehem," Joseph told him. The man's reply caused Joseph to smile, "O'ho Bethlehem! That's where everyone seems to be headed. All the towns are crowded, but the old City of David's bursting at the seams. David, greatest king ever was, but especially with the ladies!" His lusty grin stretched his lips as he gave a wink to Joseph, "Now, if it was me? If I took another wife, the one I have would break my head! But, old David, not Him!"
Joseph and Mary smiled at one another. "Times have changed. How much for the ride?" "Two drachmas for you and the beast. No charge for the lady, although for her I should charge double." He laughed at his joke and went on, "I trust you have kinfolk in the city?" "Not any more," Joseph answered. "We're planning to stay at the inn." "The inn? You'll be lucky to find a corner for your donkey at the inn." He joked with them throughout the entire journey crossing the river.
Joseph lifted Mary back onto her "saddle" and strode along beside her at a faster pace--in a hurry to get to the inn, hoping one room would be available. "What would I do," he thought, "if birth pangs started? Who would be there to attend her?" True, he had seen animals born, but Mary? The babe who was to come forth from Mary was a being so significant that it staggered the imagination. What was he to do? And she had been entrusted to him. He, too, had been chosen.
Mary, too, was concerned. Every instinct she had warned her. Her time was not far off. They must reach Bethlehem! But where would they go if there were no rooms for them? Partly to quell their fears they laughed again at the man on the ferry who was always joking.
The worst heat of the day had finally passed and the world seemed wonderfully cool. That evening, Joseph snared a partridge which he blessed and bled and roasted over the coals. Mary had managed to set some bread each morning to be baked each evening. That night they feasted and although tasting of smoke, the bird and bread were delicious.
"Our last night on the road," Mary said wistfully. "For some reason I almost hate to have our journey end." Joseph, too, wished to prolong it, "It's been good, just the two of us like this." During the night's stay, Joseph kept busy feeding the fire, then finally, put down a pallet of cloaks and skins for Mary and rolled her up in them. He knelt to kiss her before he wrapped himself in his cloak and lay down by her side. They had never felt as happy, never had they seen the sky so beautiful, covered with stars, and now and then one darting off to brilliantly escape. Drawing nearer for warmth and holding fast to each other's hands, they fell asleep.
End of today's story. More tomorrow, God willing!
Have you loved someone like Mary loves Joseph? I have. I do. Perhaps I am not as perfect in my love as Mary or Joseph, but their love and mine is perfected by the Spirit of God. He is the One who is perfect, and in His love, mine can be perfected, and for this I thank and praise Him.
Jo INMN
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