CHRISTMAS DAY

 

STABLE

 “We have a son! I will teach him to be a good carpenter.”

Mary raised her eyes briefly from adoring her baby. “Are you sure? I know you promised but . . .”

Joseph tucked his cloak around them both. “Hush, wife – I meant every word – now sleep.”

She lay back on the straw holding her son to her breast, and slept until Joseph’s gruff voice woke her. “Find another shelter – my wife’s just had a baby.”

“We know - angels told us to come – we’ve left the flock outside.”

The stable was suddenly crowded, and Mary moved her veil aside to reveal the child. The shepherds’ weathered faces worshipped him while his baby hands bestowed blessings.

“You’ve seen him,” Joseph said, “Now leave us in peace.”

“We all wish for peace,” they said and departed, leaving a lamb behind. Mother and baby lay back against its warm fleece and were comforted.

 Later, more visitors came, rivalling the star-shine with their gifts, and as Joseph hid the treasures from thieves his last doubts vanished - Mary’s story of an angel was true.

That night Mary awoke weeping. “I had a dream,” she sobbed into Joseph’s arms.

Only half in jest, he said, “Not another one!”

“I dreamed he was sold for thirty pieces of silver.”

Joseph snorted. “Our son will be a simple carpenter, wife – why would anyone sell him? Now go back to sleep before any more angels come.”

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This is the last post in my Advent Week calendar, sent to wish any who read it a very happy Christmas and a New Year that is an improvement on the last two.