In Due Season

The colder weather, disagreeable as it is with the grey, damp chill, at least is seasonal and more Christmas like than the warm temperatures we've been having lately. The carols pouring from the radio are suddenly more appealing, the Christmas lights glow more warmly, and the increased hustle and bustle add new energy to the step.  Something is in the air.  You can taste it  in great, moist intakes of air.  A sense of expectancy.

These components were present 2,000-plus years ago when a census caused a rustle and stir among the people of Judea. A young woman of Nazareth had been preparing for the birth of her first child.  Tiny garments had been stitched and laid away in a chest. Her house had been cleaned within an inch of its life. Foods had been gathered and stored in bowls, baskets, clay jars and pots.  She had made the most of her waiting time, and now all was in readiness. She would be able to concentrate most of her energy on the new life that would soon make its debut.

Suddenly she had to pack swiftly; she couldn't let Joseph go alone to Bethlehem.  Taking only the bare essentials, and especially necessities and supplies for what could be a birth away from home, she was giddy with excitement.  The Lord would be with them!  She convinced Joseph that she wasn't afraid with him by her side.

Not many days hence, heavenly music would fill the skies where hillside shepherds were watching their flocks. Many strangers were in Bethlehem that night, filling every room and lodging place.  She was grateful that Joseph had found a quiet place where she could rest between the hard spasms of labor that were bearing down upon her.  The animals were unquestioning in their solemn gaze; their stolid bodies filling the stable with their warmth and breathing.

Now strange men, shepherds, were asking to see the baby that Joseph had laid in a manger full of straw, softened by the cloths and shawls Mary had brought.  What an amazing night, the young mother thought.  Through the haze of her pain she had seen his tiny form being lifted from her.  Now the pain was vanquished in her joy and exhilaration.  A beautiful star lit the night with its brilliance.  The shepherds said angels had sent them there to worship the newborn, a Saviour, Christ the Lord. Such knowledge was too much for her just now.  She was still in awe herself at what had just transpired.

After the pilgrims had departed Bethlehem, Joseph was able to find a small house for her  recovery before heading home. But more strangers appeared, with gifts for the baby they called a king.  They were men who studied the stars and were very wise.  Mary and Joseph knew that God had sent this baby,  but others were confirming what they knew to be true.  There was that matter of the prophetess Anna in the temple when they had taken him to be presented to the Lord.  And Simeon, who had been assured he would not die until he had seen the Consolation of Israel.   And now these learned men being guided by the star.

Shortly Joseph would awake her from sleep, and she must hurriedly pack again.  Off to Egypt to flee those who meant harm to the Child.  She could not doubt that he had been warned by an angel.  It was an angel that had appeared to her with the news that would change and shape her life, indeed, change and shape the whole world.  Once again, she was filled with expectancy.