When Joseph Met Jesus

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   Joseph found Mary resting, with the baby lying in the feeding trough beside her. In the stall next to them, a milking cow peered over the railing to inspect her new neighbours. Joseph marvelled at how quiet the animal was – as if it somehow knew that the new occupants needed their rest.
   How beautiful Mary looks, Joseph thought. Mary’s long black hair had come loose and was lying like a blanket over her arms. She was a picture of contentment, her red cheeks the only sign that she had just been through the pain of childbirth. Hesitantly, he walked toward the feeding trough that held Jesus. Realizing that God had humbled Himself by taking human form, in order to redeem humanity, brought Joseph to his knees in prayerful adoration of the infant before him. Quietly, so as not to disturb Mary, he picked up the baby and gazed at him in awe. This was the Son of God! Joseph ran his hand over the tiny head, noting the thick curly, black hair that covered his ears. As Joseph carefully inspected his adopted son, Jesus squirmed, opened his eyes, and stared up at him.            

   “Hello, Jesus,” Joseph whispered, his eyes glistening with tears. 
   He held in his arms the Promise of Israel. His whole body trembled with joy and relief over the days’ events. Fearing he would drop the babe, he kissed his forehead and placed him back in the manger.
   Mary stirred. “Joseph.”
   “My beloved one, you have a beautiful son,” he said. “How do you fare? Is all well?”
  “Everything is fine, my darling. However, I think I shall sleep a thousand sleeps tonight,” she yawned. “Does my father know yet that he has a grandson?”
  “Indeed I do!” Heli announced as he and Rebekah re-entered the stable. “In fact, the birth announcement has already been proclaimed.”
   Puzzled, she looked at him. “Proclaimed?”
   “Throughout Bethlehem – in every inn apparently.”
   “Abba, how could you have done that so quickly, when I have just given birth?”
   “Actually, you already have visitors – or rather Jesus does. Are you up to seeing them, Mary? I know you are tired, but they have quite a story to tell you.”
    Mary and Joseph exchanged curious glances. “Visitors … proclamations? I am already intrigued,” Mary said as she struggled to sit up. “Tell them they may come in.”
    Quietly, the shepherds shuffled into the warm, cozy stable. As soon as they saw the baby in the manger, they fell to their knees in worship. Mary watched them in silence, struck numb by the sudden clarity of who the baby in the manger was. I just gave birth to the Son of God. Blessed be the Lord!
     She looked around the stable. What a contrast. Cows, goats, and sheep surrounded her. She sat in a bed of hay while the king of the world slept in a feeding trough at her side. And wonders of wonders, shepherds were kneeling in the hay worshipping her son. She looked at Joseph who had also fallen to his knees. What a night. What joy! Her heart overflowed with thanksgiving for Yahweh’s provision and she wept with happiness.