Christmas time is here...

a young girl, pregnant

traveling with a man who is not the father of her baby

originally I imagine they planned for him to be,

if Jehovah opened her womb after they were married,

but God had another plan

and because Mary said

"I am the servant of the Lord"

and Joseph got up from a dream

and took her as his wife

they ended up journeying to Bethlehem while she was "great with child"

I once heard someone say 

"there is only one degree of pregnancy,

either you are or you are not"

having been pregnant,

I respectfully disagree

I have seen the pictures that show Mary riding a donkey

I have never ridden a donkey,

but I have been "great with child"

and I cannot imagine climbing onto a donkey's back,

let alone riding one at that point,

so in my mind I see her and Joseph walking,

maybe hand in hand...

I cannot fathom the depths of emotions each felt;

Mary-a first time mother

Joseph-willing to accept the judgement of those who were so inclined

adjusting to being married, forgoing physical intimacy

getting the news they would have to travel at the king's whim

the streets in Bethlehem were bustling

I imagine there was jostling as there inevitably is in a crowd

Joseph trying to protect Mary from unnecessary contact

knocking on doors, looking for a place for his young wife to deliver this child

being turned away, time after time after time

until one inn keeper allows them to bed down in the stable

not ideal, but clean straw is available

the warmth of the animals will help keep the chill away

and at that point, being away from the crowds 

is most welcome

the labor process begins

slowly the contractions become regular

gradually they become intense

finally, the urge to push

God's Son is born, 

a newborn cries

a mama and papa rejoice,

not realizing that this newborn they hold,

well, He really is perfect

and while Mary and Joseph bask in the wonder of a new baby

angels visit shepherds in a field,

one proclaiming good news of great joy, "a Savior is born"

the shepherds hasten to see the babe swaddled and laying in a manger,

and having seen Him they shared the good news

those who heard, wondered

Mary treasured and pondered

the shepherds glorified and praised God

Christmas time, the celebration of the birth of Christ, is here!

"When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.' And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."

Luke 2:15-20

To get a full report and more juicy details, read Luke 1& 2 

Luke is the third book of the New Testament