Being jostled by a donkey for days would have been difficult without being pregnant. Mary’s back ached. She longed to lie down and sleep. Tiny Bethlehem loomed ahead. A respite.
Joseph searched and searched for a room. He returned from each inn with bad news. Every room in the small village was taken because of the flood of travelers for the census. Other weary visitors lined the streets. All looking for a refuge.
Desperate to get Mary settled for the night, Joseph reluctantly accepted the offer of a spot with animals in a smelly hillside cave.
Joseph remembered clearly the visit by Gabriel telling him to be not afraid to take Mary as his wife even though she was pregnant. She carried a son conceived by the Holy Spirit. Joseph obeyed but didn’t fully understand the incredible proclamation.
If God planned it, why wasn’t a proper room provided for them? Why would God allow such hardships for the frazzled couple?
Knife life pains stabbed Mary as she climbed down from the donkey. With each deep breath, putrid odors from the animals assaulted her. This wasn’t what she imagined.
Months earlier, Mary’s own visit from Gabriel troubled her as he told her that she would give birth to the Son of the Most High. The words shocked her but he said to not be afraid. After asking questions, she joyfully accepted the path set for her. Like Joseph, the full impact wasn’t understood.
But wouldn’t God want a clean, warm room for His son? Why did they have to endure the long journey and then have no place to stay?
Intense pain swept the questions away. She concentrated on immediate concerns. Though stinky, the dark cave offered warmth and protection from the cool night. A refuge from the crowds. The young couple made the best of what they had been given. God provided but not in the way they imagined.
In the midst of a seemingly horrible situation, Jesus entered the world. Mary wrapped him in cloths and laid him in the manger. The young couple stared at the miracle before them. Their eyes met. Joy radiated from their faces. Each one remembered Gabriel’s words with the promises of God.
Within a few months, they moved from being teenagers in an obscure village to a world famous couple given the responsibility of raising the Son of God. Their lofty responsibility wasn’t without unimaginable hardships. God didn’t take away trials but seemed to keep adding more and more.
However, the couple faithfully followed God’s guidance. They welcomed unusual visitors to see the blessed babe. They escaped to Egypt when Herod killed baby boys in Bethlehem. Years later, they returned to their home village of Nazareth where they faced question after question. But they remained obedient despite all of the pain and trials.
God knew the plan for Jesus’ birth and didn’t prevent the obstacles. If he didn’t make life easy for them, why would I think he would take away all of my difficulties? However, in the midst of it all, He remains near giving peace, strength and comfort.
Read Matthew 1 and 2. Luke 1 and 2
Lord, help me be obedient even when I don’t understand. Like Mary and Joseph, give me peace, strength, and assurances to follow your guidance. Amen
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