I was praying about Christmas and began wondering what the Holy Family would be doing right now, in these last few days before Christmas. I know what normally happens this time of year – shopping for last minutes Christmas gifts, baking the cookies, preparing the meals and throwing parties, watching those same good-ole Christmas movies that have become a yearly tradition, listening to Christmas music while wrapping gifts.
But what would Mary and Joseph have been doing in these last few days before Christmas – that first Christmas?
This day 2000 years ago, Mary and Joseph were already a few days into the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Mary was extremely pregnant. Can you imagine making a five day journey on the back of a donkey when you are ready-to-pop-pregnant?! She most likely would have ridden side-saddle and probably without a saddle. I am sure her back ached from being pregnant on top of having to balance herself for hours on end on the back of the donkey. Did her legs fall asleep from poor circulation? Was her bum sore from riding on that donkey’s back for days? And Joseph, what was he wondering about the pending birth? Was he anxious in trying to provide Mary with as much comfort as he could but knowing there was little he could offer on the journey?
A stop along their way would be Jerusalem. When they passed through would they have heard people singing and chanting, “When, O Lord, will you send the Savior you have promised?” Would they have passed by the faithful watchers praying to God for the Savior to come? Would Jesus have leapt in Mary’s womb on hearing the cry of His people? Would Mary have placed a hand on her belly and whispered, “Indeed your Savior has come”.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, was Joseph feeling discouraged as he tried to find suitable lodging for his wife and child, only to be rejected? What was his reaction when that last inn keeper pointed to the stable? A stinky, smelly, dirty stable littered with animal refuse and old straw? Poor Joseph. Bethlehem was his cross. But Mary was not flustered. She puts him at ease and reassures him with her gentle smile seeming to say, “Soon the Messiah will be born – God made Man – Emmanuel, God is with us.”
As Christmas fast approaches, may we not get ruffled with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but like Mary, ponder in silence and joy the awesomeness of this beautiful mystery. Let us realize deep in our hearts that Emmanuel, God with us, indeed has come.
-Sr. Elizabeth, TOR
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