A Christmas Story
For most, the story of Christ’s birth is a tradition told once every year with the predictability that comes with years of repetition. No second thought is usually given to an account we have all been told our entire lives. The story does not change, its truth unwavering. A soon-to-be mother travels with her husband to another city to give birth to a beautiful baby boy under cover of night in a stable. However, the details are what make this story most unique and special.
The woman at the center of this extraordinary account is barely that. She is a teenager, young and inexperienced. Her name is Mary, and she is in love with a boy named Joseph. Joseph is mature for his age, and they see a future together. When Mary finds herself pregnant, she is scrutinized by the traditional community in which she lives, and scandal envelopes their relationship. She must plead with Joseph, swearing she was always faithful. Perhaps most young men would have scorned and rebuked her, accused her of lies and deception. But Joseph knows this beautiful girl, and he sees only love and truth in her eyes. Above all odds, he defends her and stays. After all, Mary is the love of his life. They are married.
It is late in her pregnancy when orders come from Rome that all Jewish young men must return to their hometowns to add their names to a special tax registry. Mary and Joseph are worried. The baby is due any day, and the road to Bethlehem will be long and uncomfortable. They are poor, and a small donkey is all Joseph can acquire for the dangerous journey. They set out, wearing what they own, carrying as much food and water as they can. Neither knows what awaits them in Bethlehem, or if the baby will come before they reach the city.
It is hard to fathom the courage and faith they must have had to leave everything behind so suddenly. Or how much strength this pregnant teenage girl embodied in order to start a trek such as this. The miracle is that they completed the journey. They rode into Bethlehem late in the evening. Perhaps by then Mary could feel that the time was close. A star appeared overhead, lighting the rooftops and illuminating the alleyways of Bethlehem with an eerie, supernatural glow. The town was settling in for the night, and every inn was full. Joseph found a quiet place for Mary to rest.
It was an exhausting night, but finally a small cry pierced the silence of the stable. The mystics had been correct all along, a Messiah was born. Those who were awake heard the child and crept to the stable to peer at the most beautiful baby boy. Mary gazed at him in her arms; small and perfect. Joseph counted his toes and fingers. They washed him tenderly, and thanked God for this precious child. They looked at each other, hearts full of love, and named him Jesus.
This is the best story ever told. How absolutely amazing that these two young teenagers, with only their love to share, traveled across the desert to give life to the most perfect individual that ever walked this earth. The story of the Holy Nativity is an enduring story about the beginning of a life most epic. When one thinks on the events of what happened that night and what led up to them, one can only affirm that this is truly the most holy of stories. The story of Jesus’ birth is most certainly divinely inspired. Its retelling may be a tradition, but the story is one of love, courage, and truth, and the details must never be overlooked or underestimated.
