Experience The Gift Of Christmas Series

Church, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, I want to share a story to reflect on that first day when Jesus entered the world. Let’s go back 2000 years, to the land of Judea.

Imagine being in Bethlehem the day Mary and Joseph are about to arrive into town on their donkey. They were tired, thirsty, hungry, and probably had some of the smell of being on the road for over a week on that 90-mile journey from Jerusalem.

As they arrive into the outskirts of town, they pass by some shepherds trying to sell some of their livestock. You see, the land around Bethlehem at that time was ideal for sheep. Joseph, knowing that it’s getting dark soon, asks the shepherds if they know of any available rooms. He doesn’t want to sleep out in the open one more night. The shepherds can see that the weariness of the trip has taken a toll on them. They notice a peaceful glow about the pregnant woman on the donkey.

The shepherds finally answer that they didn’t know of any rooms available; and that the census had created a situation where there were more people in the small city than it could handle. Many are being turned away. Joseph’s face, if you could see it, is troubled. One of shepherds, his name was Evan, offers his canteen of fresh water to them.

Mary and Joseph drink deeply from Evan’s canteen. He can see Joseph’s concern and offers a small loaf of bread from his satchel that he was saving for dinner. In Evan’s eyes, these two travelers need it more than he did. Joseph offers a copper coin to the shepherd, one of the few he has saved up. Evan is filled with compassion and tells Joseph to keep it. Mary, up to this point, was very quiet. She looks at Evan directly and says, ‘Thank You, you are kind.’

Evan is taken aback. Mary’s voice is so soft and gentle, and her face has that glow. It’s like her words were from someone who is royalty. Evan feels a blessing has been put upon him by this simple act of generosity.

Joseph speaks up and tells Mary that they need to leave Evan and get into the city to try to find a place to sleep. As they leave, Evan feels as if he should bow down. Mary turns her attention to Joseph as she slowly nibbles on the bread, savoring the fresh food Evan has given her.

Mary stays on the donkey while Joseph walks them into town. The streets are full of people coming and going. It’s loud; street vendors are selling food and pottery. There would be metal workers and tanners. Joseph asks for help and looks for a room for them to stay in. He is told “No” many times. The sun is setting, and Joseph has not found a room. Finally, one caretaker offers some compassion. He says they can stay in the stable out back. They’ll at least have a roof over their heads.

Joseph has no choice… They’ll be spending the night in a barn. He tries to be optimistic, telling Mary he’ll find a better spot for them tomorrow. Mary smiles back at Joseph. She has a feeling that might not happen- but loves his optimism.

As they look around in the barn, Mary starts to have contractions. She’d never had them before, so she feared something was wrong with the bread she had eaten earlier. Once she recognizes the rhythm of the pain, she realizes the baby is coming tonight.

She tells Joseph, “It is time.”

Joseph’s hopes are dashed. He needs to prepare for the baby right now. He puts the donkey in a stall with some used straw for bedding. Then, he immediately gives Mary all of his attention to help prepare for the coming of Christ. They make some room in the barn, and he finds the freshest straw and puts down a clean blanket for Mary to be comfortable.

Mary draws on all the words her mother and aunts told her about giving birth. She is focused, and the delivery goes well. Once Jesus was born, all the animals in the barn quieted down. Mary and Joseph do not notice that in the busyness of the birth, all is calm and bright. The star of Bethlehem is shining directly on the barn.

King David was born in Bethlehem, and now, The Son of David is born here as well. Everything that Isaiah prophesied is happening. He is the Messiah who will take away the sins of the world. He will bring forth the Holy Spirit. He will become the bridge that allows all of us an opportunity to have a relationship with God. But tonight, he sleeps; the Divine Word has become human.