They arose early that last day on their long trek to Bethlehem. Had they slept well exhausted from their previous day's travel? Or was their sleep fitful? Weary and tired, anxious to arrive, Mary large with birth upon her, Joseph's face etched with concern - what were they feeling? Did they speak much, or remain silent as they left for those last miles that would bring them to the comfort of an inn?
We can only imagine. Scripture gives no details. That last day had to be rough on Mary. Ankles swollen, belly straining, hard to take deep breaths. Just plain uncomfortable. Lower back pain almost beyond endurance.
"...Oh, please, let us not tarry. I need to get to the inn. My time is at hand..."
----
"What? No room at the inn? No place in all of Bethlehem to receive us? My wife is about to give birth! Please, help us!"
The kindly innkeeper does what he can and in the cleanliness of fresh straw, Mary delivers to the world our Infant Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
"Glory to God in the highest, and peace to men of good will. For unto you this day in Bethlehem is born a Savior who is Christ The Lord."
Did Mary cry out in writhing pain as so often is the way with woman giving birth? After their long journey to Bethlehem, already way beyond tired, how much energy did she have to meet the demands of delivery?
Yet, once her Son lay nestled in her arms, her travail was secondary to her joy. Women understand that! Mary's far deeper anguish would come on another day some 30-plus years on another road; a day when her heart would be pierced as her Son would do that very thing for which He had been born.
...
But for this night ...
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Thank You, Savior Jesus, for coming to us. Thank You Infant Son of God. Thank you, Mary and Joseph for what you did to bring us Christ The Lord.
May we fall on our knees in adoration of Jesus, the Christ, born to save us from our sin.
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace,
good will toward men.
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