Can you imagine the trip to Bethlehem from Nazareth for the fully pregnant Mary? With all of our first world comforts, belly pillows, comfy cars and maternity underwear (girls, you know what I mean), Mary had none of those comforts.
Their marriage, still new, was probably still a little awkward. He wasn't a stranger, but they were not like most couples when the baby came. The Bible is clear, "He did not know her" until after the baby came. They had not experienced typical couple intimacy. It has to be strange for both of them, but they pressed on and into their calling. They said, "Yes." to what God asked of them.
Their marriage, still new, was probably still a little awkward. He wasn't a stranger, but they were not like most couples when the baby came. The Bible is clear, "He did not know her" until after the baby came. They had not experienced typical couple intimacy. It has to be strange for both of them, but they pressed on and into their calling. They said, "Yes." to what God asked of them.
So many focus on Mary. Joseph has stolen my heart with this gentle patience and trust. It must have been hard for him to watch her discomfort. It is very likely that he was older than her. Not a teenager, as was the custom of the day. The Bible is not clear. Would it make any difference if he was twenty or thirty? It was not the way he saw his life plan playing out.
This is all we really know about the journey. Notice, there is no donkey reference.
"And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them." - Luke 2:4-7
It would have been common to take an animal. If Joseph did not have one, I imagine there were offers from compassionate family or friends... especially at the urging of their wives who had been in her condition. I think that a donkey was easy to insert into the scenario. It makes sense.
Whether she was walking or riding, she was uncomfortable. I imagine Joseph was rubbing her back when he saw her discomfort and would ask her regularly if she needed a break. I am pretty sure she had her eyes set on the road ahead, longing to get to their destination before the baby came.
How many times did Joseph say, "Just a little longer, Mary, just a little longer? "How many prayers did he offer up for her to make it to the village where there would be a little more comfort for his new wife? Did he hear that still, soft voice whisper, "Just a little longer, Joseph. Just a little longer."
Children all over the world are thinking, "Just a little longer."
Parents all over the world are thinking, "Just a little longer for the kids to wait."
As the anticipation of Christmas escalates, I can't help but think of the prophecies in the book of Revelation and wonder, "Is it just a little longer?" As the world prepares for Santa, may we not forget to prepare for the coming of the King. It will be just a little longer.
Today, I am grateful it is just a little longer.
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