It's spring in the Middle East. The shepherds are watching their flocks in the hills near Nazareth. It's mating season and one of the few times the sheep, and the men, are free.
In town a newly engaged women of 15 lies silently as a Roman soldier rapes her. She tells no one.
Months later she cries. The moon has risen and set twice and her time has not come. She must tell her betrothed. She must tell Joseph. She prays to the universe to give her the right words for she has grown to love this man. Her parents have chosen well for her.
She tries to sleep, restless in the heat and heavy with the burden that she carries a child that may cause her to be stoned to death or worse...shunned by her family and community. What will she do if Joseph cannot find enough love in his heart to let her stay? Without a man to protect her and provide for her will she turn to prostitution? How will she provide for herself? What about the child within her? Will she be able to love this child; the product, not of love, but of violence, hatred and pain. Her questions without answers lull her into a fitfull sleep.
The day has come. She asks her mother if she may go to Joseph. "It is the middle of the day, child, there are chores."
She insists and just leaves, her mother calling after her, "The work will be waiting when you return. "
As she walks the street to his carpentry shop her mind is spinning, what will he do, will he ask that she be stoned, he has every right by law, will he hold her because of their love, will he...a quiet wind blows across the road. She looks to the sky and clouds ripple like a river. There is little sound and she suddenly feels a peace. She suddenly knows that no matter what ...it will be ok.
She turns the corner to see Joseph; good, gentle, loving Joseph. She pauses for a moment and says, "Thank you, " then rushes into his arms, the whole terrible story flowing from her mouth like vomit.
Tears stream down both of their faces as Joseph takes her chin in his hand, turning her face to his and says, "Mary, I have always loved you. I will always love you. I will love this baby as I love you, for circumstance does not seal one's fate, how we choose to live is what seals one's fate. I choose you. I choose him."
Touching her belly ever so gently he kisses her tears away.
The baby, they named Jesus, and they raised him with such love that as a man he became a beacon of hope and wisdom and peace for centuries to come and centuries more.
The power of love has never been as strong as the night when he was born. It was as if the whole world knew something had changed. We, the human race, would never be the same.
So we celebrate Mary and Joseph's love for each other and their child at Christmastime, a historic time for reflection and prayer.
Their wisdom to believe that circumstance does not seal one's fate...how one lives seals one's fate has given hope to millions through the words and actions of their beloved son, Jesus.
For this, we the world, shall be forever grateful.
Amen
Every time you see a manger think of this powerful couple and their brave choices.
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