CHRISTIAN RENEWAL ASSOCIATION INC.
R I T A ' S R E F L E C T I O N S
The Christmas Story in Narrative
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written by Rita Bennett • December 2011
Contact Rita Bennett Ministries and Christian Renewal Association Inc.
P.O. Box 576, Edmonds, Washington 98020, USA
Tel: 425-775-2965 = Fax: 425-775-2033
CHRISTIAN RENEWAL ASSOCIATION INC.
THE CHRISTMAS STORY IN NARRATIVE
Joseph and Mary were betrothed (engaged) which in the Jewish culture was as binding as actual marriage. To break the betrothal one had to obtain a divorce. The relationship was not to be consummated until the marriage. It is believed that Mary was in her late teens and Joseph was somewhat older.
During the time of her engagement, the angel Gabriel came to her and said, “Hail, highly favored, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women,” (Luke 1:28). It is amazing that Mary didn’t faint right there on the spot.
The next thing the angel said was wise, “Fear not!” His words of concern strengthened Mary for his next words.
MARY CHOSEN
“Mary you have found favor with God.” She was possibly in tears with these words of affirmation.
Then Gabriel took the next step, news that would save the world.
“And, behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus.”
Here Mary has to think, I’m only engaged to Joseph and how can I, a virgin, become pregnant? Who has ever heard of such a thing?
The angel continues his message, “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest . . .”
Mary asks, “How can this be, seeing I know not a man?”
Gabriel answers her, “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that holy one that shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God.”
[The Nicene Creed says, “For us and for our salvation: he [Jesus] came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man,” (The Book of Common Prayer, p.358).]
The angel convinced Mary further by explaining that her cousin Elizabeth has conceived a son in her “old age.” What was amazing about this conception was that Elizabeth had been barren and beyond the natural age of childbearing. She was now six months pregnant.
“And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.”
Mary hurried to the City of Judah and stayed with Elizabeth three months to assist her, and then returned home to Nazareth of Galilee (Luke 1:28–40 KJV mod. all biblical quotes).
JOSEPH IS CONVINCED
When Mary saw Joseph next, she was three months pregnant but probably was not “showing” yet. Mary had a lot of explaining to do with Joseph. At first he thought he should divorce her quietly out of respect. But then the Angel of the Lord visited him in a dream and said, “Be not afraid to take to you Mary your wife (betrothed): for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20 mod).
This calmed Joseph’s fears but it did not calm the public who had a lot to talk about. In fact, Mary was in danger of being stoned. The battle and humiliation was raging for those six months. In her ninth month of pregnancy there was another challenge.
Caesar Augustus proclaimed, “All the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1). Each went to his own town. Joseph and Mary headed to Bethlehem of Judea. She rode side-saddle on the donkey while Joseph walked beside her. The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem is 70 miles and could have taken four or five days traveling with a pregnant woman.
BORN IN A BARN
When they arrived, hungry and tired, there was no place to stay. The town was packed. Mary was having severe birth pains. The Holy Spirit touched the Inn Keeper’s heart with an idea, “Could the couple stay in the barn with the animals of his clients?”
Joseph was only too happy to say, “Yes.”
The animals moved over for the new guests to make a place for the birth. The timing was divine because Mary’s cries became louder. Joseph got water from the animal trough and rushed to Mary’s side.
It was quite a cacophony: Mary’s cries of pain, Joseph’s sobs as he held her, the cows mooing, donkeys braying, and sheep baaing. Eventually Joseph knelt before mother Mary to assist in the birth, reaching up to catch Jesus. Then the baby joined the chorus with his cries.
Joseph washed off the birth mucosa, the umbilical cord was cut and tied. Little Jesus was wrapped in some swaddling cloths, and Joseph bonded by looking into His eyes.
He gently handed Jesus to Mary. Her child nuzzled into her breast for his first drink of milk. Comfort of a drink and arms of love greet the child. Joseph’s arms around them makes a trio of love.
The animals gather around as they see the glory settle on the scene.
The world has The Answer in human form. Will they listen? Will you and I?
The Savior of the world, the Messiah, Son of God has arrived …
©2010, 2011 Rita Bennett, CRA Inc. P.O. Box 576, Edmonds, WA 98020
R I T A ' S R E F L E C T I O N S
The Christmas Story in Narrative
written by Rita Bennett • December 2011
