The Magi's First Christmas - Chapter 1

“Journey Worn”

Press on through trial sore… the creators purpose tell,
Dark though the path may seem,
The Light shines brighter still.

The angel Gabriel appeared without warning …

“Fear not…” A great honor was prepared for the young virgin, Mary of Nazareth. She was to be”highly favored;” Chosen by God to bear his only son. A frenzy of activity marked the months following. Mary, now heavy with child, accompanied Joseph on the rugged road from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Unbeknown to them the ill timed journey to perform Rome’s bidding was orchestrated by God himself. They had a divine appointment in Bethlehem.

Joseph to register with Roman authorites and Mary to give birth to the Messiah, for so the prophets fortold.

Caesar Augustus had made a decree. All the Roman world was to be taxed. Every male to register in the city of their ancestors. Joseph, a decendent of ancient King David, must go to Bethlehem of Judea.

As Joseph led the little donkey, the rhythmic patter of tiny hooves had an hypnotic effect. Mary’s mind drifted to the angel Gabriel’s visit and Joseph as she recounted to him the angel’s message:

“She was with child!”

His face revealed the truth none knew better than he…He was not the father of the child in Mary’s womb!

It was too much. Joseph made the decision to break the engagement, but for Mary’s sake, he would keep his reason private. Mary understood his agony.

She had not asked him to protect her, she was to be the mother of God’s son … “Be it unto me according to thy word…” God would be her protector.

His honorable intentions, however, would soon be irrelevant. A baby was growing within Mary’s womb and it would not be hidden for long. All of Nazareth would know.

The angelic messenger also revealed her cousin Elizabeth, who was barren in her older age, too was with child. Mary had determined to visit Elizabeth and Zachariah.

The donkey lurched suddenly jolting her out of her revery. The crumbling edge of a washout gave way … his sure feet slid then caught…

Mary felt Joseph’s strong hand take hold of her arm as she remained seated on the donkey’s back. She grasped the short mane more tightly. The little animal’s hoofs bit into the uneven ground and soon, the rhythmic motion resumed; Mary’s mind again drifted to the unfolding drama her life had become.

While she had been gone to visit Elizabeth and Zachariah in Bethlehem, an angel had appeared to Joseph in a dream. He was told that Mary was to bear God’s son and not to be afraid to take her as his wife.

When she had returned from Bethlehem, her condition had begun to show and Joseph had come quietly for her at her fathers house. There had been no joyful celebration, no wedding procession of wellwishers; no feasting and dancing: Their married lives together had began without fanfare.

Her mind drifted again to her visit to Elizabeth and Zachariah’s. She remembered the fear and uncertainty she had felt as she approached their home near Bethlehem. How could she begin to explain Gabriel’s message?

“Mary!” Elizabeth’s heartfelt and joyous exclamation of surprise had brought a rush of relief.

“What a pleasant surprise …. Zechariah and I have such good news!” Elizabeth had begun and then paused, startled.

“You’re with child?” Her hands were drawn to her bulging tummy, evidence of the miracle she was about to share. It’s occupant had begun to kick excitedly as her query to Mary leaped unbidden from her lips.

The news of her own miracle was halted in mid sentence. She released her tummy; with arms spread wide she wrapped Mary in her embrace. Hugging her tightly she turned her radiant face heavenward as words of blessing flowed from her like a bubbling spring.

“Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Her voice trembled with emotion.

“For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy!”

Elizabeth’s passion-filled words had been music to Mary’s ears.

Questions burdening her with conflicted emotions melted away. After a moment, Elizabeth gently drew back. Her eyes probed the depths of Mary’s soul as the Holy Spirit welled up within her. The message she delivered was direct from the Father’s throne:

“Blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Elizabeth’s embrace renewed the full wonderment of the heavenly messege. There was new life in her womb. Mary was at peace as joyous tears flowed through the long embrace. The angelic greeting “Fear not….” echoed in her ears.

When Mary returned from her reverie she was still perched on the little beast whose short quick gait brought them closer to Bethlehem with each stride.

It seemed ages had passed since her return to Nazareth and her pregnancy had become evident to all. The whispers caused her to struggle at times to push back the anxious thoughts. At this moment, however, all she could think was, she hoped they would make Bethlehem by nightfall.