Hope in the Heartland
The baby King
(Editor’s note: This is the third part of a four-part series, leading to Christmas.)
Pastor, Gracepoint church
Three days later, as dusk signaled the end of another day of travel, Joseph turned and looked again at his wife. The donkey on which Mary sat plodded along, swaying her back and forth. Mary smiled at Joseph, her hand gently rubbing her large belly. Joseph knew that she was exhausted and uncomfortable. Yet there was a glow on her face, as though her soul was ablaze with the glory of the Messiah that lay in the sanctuary of her womb.
“We’re almost there. We’ll find a place for you to sleep soon,” he said.
He was amazed at how strong and joyful Mary had been on their long, three-day journey from Nazareth to the city of his ancestors, Bethlehem.
Joseph was sure that he had heard the sweet voice of his beloved quoting the words from the prophet Micah. Even now, as his tired feet stepped closer toward the city of his forefather, David, Joseph whispered the incredible prophecy to himself:
“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.”
Soon the weary newlyweds entered the city and Joseph’s heart sank. The streets teemed with pilgrims, the city bloated beyond anything Joseph had imagined.
“Where will we stay, Joseph?”
Without taking his eyes off the sea of humanity flooding Bethlehem, Joseph replied, “I will find a place. I promise.”
“I hope so. I think the baby is coming soon.”