Advent Chronicles – Mary

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:6

The pains were coming more consistently. Why does it have to be at night?

“Joseph, we do not have much longer until He arrives.”

At least I think it will be a boy. Those are the words the angel spoke to me, “You will give birth to a son and you shall call Him, Jesus.”

I know there are no close relatives with this name, but it is very close to one of my favorite relatives from our ancient writing, Joshua – God saves. I’m not sure all of the reasons I like him so much. Perhaps it was his closeness to Moses, or winning the biggest battle of all against Jericho. I think I liked that he was able to stay in the tent with the glory of God when Moses left to talk to the people. Will this son of mine truly bring salvation to all?

Whew! That one took my breath away for a moment. Oh how I wish my mom were here. Joseph has explained to me again and again why we had to make the trip, now. I asked him to wait until our son was born, but he was adamant that we must go to his birth home of Bethlehem to pay our taxes. Why Bethlehem? Why couldn’t we wait? I like his strength, but when he makes up his mind, he does it. Except for once.

When I knew I was pregnant, I told him about the visit with the angel. He did not believe me. He was not mean, cruel, or sarcastic. He just found it hard to believe my story. Even though our marriage was arranged, we found a deep love growing between us. He chose not to bring any more shame to me…pregnant before marriage. He was determined to hide me quietly without a lot of gossip.

Then, the angel visited him in a dream. The angel confirmed my story that the Spirit brought forth the pregnancy within me. Joseph was to continue with the marriage and not have relations with me until after the birth of my son…our son. He did an about face and pursued our marriage. Joseph told me he would raise him as his own. So thankful for that man.

Ooooh, that was stronger and quicker than the last. Mom and my cousin Elizabeth told me about birth pangs, oh how I wish they were here. Why am I alone? Why on this dark night?

Suddenly, we heard a voice at the edge of the cave. A lady introduced herself, Isabel,  the wife of the innkeeper in whose stable  or cave we were spending the night. She told me that her husband had just told her about me as we were laying down for the night. He said, “Oh, by the way, I had one young couple come by late in the evening. I was trying to turn them away, because we had no more room. But when I looked at her, I thought she looked big, great with child. She is probably going to have the baby soon” “What did you say? What did you do for her? Did you say you sent her to our stable? How could you? A baby is not to be born with animals! I will go and check on her.”

“What is your name?” Can I help you?”

“Mary, my husband and I have traveled from Nazareth.”

“Can we move you to another place?”

“No, I think…wuff, wuff, wuff..my time has come for him to be born.”

Isabel held my hand and talked with me continuously. 

“Ya, I am so thankful you sent someone to help. Moments later, my baby boy came out. We cleaned him up and wrapped him in some rags that Isabel brought with her. I held him and started nursing him. He is beautiful.”

“What will be his name?” Asked Isabel.

Joseph finally spoke. “His name is Jesus! He is a miracle…a God miracle. My wife, Mary, is a very special lady on whom God’s favor rests. Wow, it is true. Just as the angel had said.”

Tears of joy started to roll off the corners of my eyes. Joseph really does love me. God loves me. And this new child of mine, loves me…Oh, how I love Jesus!

Real people, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. True story. Mary experienced the miracle of Jesus within her. Through the Holy Spirit, He brings the person and presence of Jesus within those who believe. Same Jesus. And a miracle of new birth…ours as a new child of God.