What was Mary thinking?
I would think a young girl, (probably still in her teens which was the custom of the day) who had just traveled 300 miles by donkey, had a lot of time to think. Here she was with a man, to whom she was betrothed and now married to, (without being intimate with), sleeping in tents, being pregnant while riding on a donkey. I’m sure there were things she would have liked to talk to her mother about. While Joseph and she may have had a great relationship, he had never had a child before and didn’t know any more than she did about what to expect. It was all a bit overwhelming. And Joseph, while walking along, leading the donkey must have thought: how was he supposed to a father to the Son of God? What exactly did that entail? Yes, these were the longest 300 miles, of the most contemplative trip, either of them had ever set upon.
Do you think they were tried and dusty after that arduous journey? All they could think of was the nice bed that awaited them in Bethlehem. They never accounted for the increase in population, and with no reservations, not a room was available. Making her as comfortable as he possibly could in a stable Joseph must have questioned how things were playing out. But the one thing that kept these two going was faith. They believed what the messenger of the Lord had told them and they were willing servants. How many times do you think either one of them had been spoken to in dreams or in person by this messenger? It isn’t something that anyone would ignore, I am sure they took this task very seriously.
How do you think you or I would fair when asked to do something this monumental? Not just give birth to, but to raise in the admonition of the Lord, so he could be about his, (heavenly) father’s business, of saving the world.
We are about to celebrate receiving the greatest give this world has ever received. It is a gift that keeps on giving, over the centuries, with renewable grace. Yes, it was a miracle! Glory to God in the Highest and on earth Peace, Good Will toward men. AMEN
As parents we need to answer honestly any questions our children may have about the birth of Jesus Christ. The best way to be informed is, go to the source, the Bible, and read it with them.
We as writers wish we could write a story half as exciting as the stories of the Bible. But the Bible’s truths are undeniable, and amazing!
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2: 6-7
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Matthew 1:23
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14