IMAGINE…
The way to Bethlehem was not easy for Joseph and Mary.
The journey was long and they were exhausted. Joseph spent hours on foot, leading the donkey carrying his pregnant wife. He was concerned about Mary and tried to make the journey as easy on her as he could. He knew the Child she carried was the Christ. He was given the task of being the earthly father to the Son of God.
Joseph also worried about the donkey and tried to rest him when possible. He looked for a shady spot where they could find some relief from the burning sun, but that was hard to do. The wind blew sand into their eyes as they struggled on their way. Joseph would have packed water and food for the journey, but it had to be rationed so that they had enough to make it to Bethlehem where they planned to find a room and be counted in the census.
They might have heard stories from other travelers about thieves along the way, so Joseph had to keep constant watch as the protector of Mary and the Child she carried.
As they neared Bethlehem, the number of travelers increased and Joseph began to look for a place for the little family to stay, but everywhere he went, he was turned away – every place was full – there was no room for them. He had relatives who lived in the area around Bethlehem, but they, too, sent him away.
Finally, Joseph encountered a kind soul who allowed Mary and Joseph to take refuge in a small stable he used to house his animals. It was not much, but afforded them a quiet place safe from the weather and the crowds. The time had come for the Baby to be born and for Joseph and Mary began their life’s calling - to be the parents of the Savior.
In a new Apostolic Letter entitled Patris corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father; a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows. The Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from December 8, 2020, to December 8, 2021. (vaticannews.va)
This year, my Christmas prayer for all of us is to learn to be a little more like St. Joseph: to be tender, courageous and obedient, to be loving and accepting and to live our lives with a Father’s Heart. Kathy Rowell
