T
he uphill journey from Jericho to Jerusalem had taken its usual toll. Mary felt feint. Through the city and out the western gate, Joseph walked beside her, shoulders sagging. The sun settled quietly, golden and red, its radiant crown disappearing over the rising horizon. Deepening twilight crept across the Judean countryside. A soft glow from the light of Bethlehem lay in the distance. A welcome sight to both of them. “There it is my darling,” said Joseph quietly. “Our new home. I hope there are enough consumers and critics of wood in this town to support us.”
“God will support us, Joseph,” scolded Mary playfully. Exhausted Mary. How could she laugh? “Where is your faith? Do you think He would ever abandon his Son?” A prophetic question.
“I am glad to see you are still in light spirits,” smiled Joseph. Mary smiled back. Smiles were becoming to her. Despite her distended abdomen, perhaps because of it, her smiles were radiant and beautiful. The lights of Bethlehem drew closer. You could hear laughter now. Torches penetrating the night. People moving about. Though the day crept toward evening, the crowds were restive. Family and friends who hadn’t seen each other for months or years were joyfully reuniting. Merchants and concessionaires, followers and hangers-on of human traffic, hawked their wares. The surrounding countryside spoke of peace and solicitude. The city spoke activity, energy and commerce. “Now to find a place to spend the night,” said Joseph with the naive expectation of youth.
“Oh!” from Mary. Joseph, alarmed at her tone, looked at her quizzically. Mary grasped her abdomen. “Oh!” again. Her face grimaced. Joseph did not need to be told what was happening. “Oh Joseph!” this time in anguish, “My water!” Each word, each syllable she spoke was an exclamation followed by sucking breath. He could see the clear liquid dripping from the flanks of the ass. Abruptly, Mary’s eyes rolled up into her head and she all but screamed, “Oh my Lord God! Joseph! Please! Hurry!” Joseph looked at her as all men look at their wives at this moment, helpless and afraid.
