"The First NOEL"

Mary was tired and couldn’t go much further. The long journey to Bethlehem had been exhausting. Her feet and back ached terribly. She guessed from being so large with child. Joseph had done his best to keep her as comfortable as possible, not letting her walk for long periods of time. He would hoist her up onto the camel’s back when he saw her growing weary. He was such a wonderful husband. She knew he had endured the ridicule of the men in the village when it was made known that she was expecting. It was good that they should go to Bethlehem at this time. She knew in her heart it must be part of God’s plan for them.

They had finally made it. Now if they could only find somewhere to rest, all would be well. Joseph was again inquiring with the Innkeeper for a room. This was the last one. She hoped there would be room for them here. As Joseph returned from the door, he shook his head.

“There is no room in all of Bethlehem, Mary. The Innkeeper said he could only offer us his stable. I am so sorry. I know you are very tired and need good rest tonight.”

“It’s fine, Joseph. The stable is just fine. Come, my husband, let us go to it.”

As they headed toward the stable, the night deemed itself to be a glorious night. There was the biggest, brightest star in the sky Mary had ever seen to light their way to the little stable. A multitude of other stars also twinkled brightly but this one was like a heavenly light-beam. The livestock were so picturesque and Mary felt their welcome as she petted a tiny lamb. They made their beds in the hay and settled down close together for a nights rest when Mary felt the first pain in her belly.

Um, oh no, little one. Not here, she thought. But then came the next contraction and the next and the next until she finally woke Joseph up to tell him.

“What? He exclaimed. No you can’t have the baby here. Not now….we need some help, Mary. I must go find a woman to come and help with the delivery.”

“Joseph, no. Do not leave me. We can do this, you and I, with God’s help.”

And so they did.

As Mary’s pains came closer and closer together, Joseph held her and comforted her. He prayed to God to help them deliver His child. He found a little manger and put some hay in it. He found some old rags to clean Mary and wrap the baby in when He came. It was almost time. Mary let out a large moan and was writhing and gripping handfuls of hay in her hands.

Mary was in horrific pain. He could see it in her eyes. He was terrified, but at peace at the same time. He felt the LORD take control of his emotions and give him the strength he needed to help his beautiful wife. God, I love her so much! He prayed.

I know….I do too, God seemed to say to him.

“Joseph, the baby is coming……ohhh Joseph!”

“That’s good my darling wife, push….push! I can see him Mary! Push harder.

And then He was in Joseph’s arms. Tears of joy for the miracle he just witnessed were streaming down his face as he looked into the eyes of Jesus. It truly was a miraculous night in the little stable in Bethlehem, he thought as he laid the precious baby in His mother’s arms.

“You did it, my beautiful Mary. We have a son.”

“No my husband. God did it. He has a Son. I am blessed to be His mother and you are blessed to be His earthly father. Let us now give thanks to His heavenly Father, and ours.”

And so they did.

Used by permission

© Copyright Julia May

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