As my pregnancy advanced, the heat abated and fall arrived. Leaves on many trees changed from green to a kalidescopic canvas...wine, brown, tan, yellow and red. Some green leaves clung tenaciously, refusing to fall.
I lay beside Joseph one night as I planned our journey, knowing God would lead us every step of the way. I knew the days would be fairly warm but we could expect nights to be cool. In fact, it was getting cold in many parts of the country we would travel.
I prayed we could find a place to sleep and that there would be a place for the baby"s arrival. God would provide, I kept telling myself. Most of the time I believed that with all my heart. Sometimes, however, small doubts crept in.
Thinking of the journey I"d made recently, actually only a little more than five months before, I knew what to expect. I dreaded the trip because we would not be part of a caravan with a qualified leader.
I could almost see us as rocks caused us to stumble and sand filled our sandals. Dust would swirl around the feet of individuals going to pay their taxes. I knew moving along the trail could be harder than before because of my condition, and I dreaded it. I also knew I must go.
Shepherds, with their flocks out in the open during the day, would take them to caves to keep them safe as the weather became colder. Most of the flowers would have gone to sleep for the winter. The landscape would still contain a few clumps of grass to relieve the browns, tans, yellows and grey of the rocks.
I was glad I had had the experience of traveling the road and knew what to bring...and what to leave home.
Joseph and I discussed it late one evening as we sat at the outside table after our meal.
“There will be many who are making this trip for the first time, won"t there?”
“Yes, I"m afraid so.”
“They won"t know what to do, will they? I mean what they need to take in the way of clothing or food?”
“No, they won"t. I wish there were some way everyone who was going would be able to bring what they need. I know each time we"ve gone to Jerusalem, there have always been some who needed either clothing or food along the way.”
“I honestly don"t know what to do about it, do you?”
Joseph picked up my hand and held it tightly. “Mary, the only thing I can suggest that we take more than we need. That way, we can share with those who don"t bring enough.”
I looked at Joseph, leaned over and kissed his cheek. “You are such a loving, giving man, Joseph. How was I ever lucky enough to get you?”
He smiled. “You didn"t get me. You always had me.” He rose, still holding my hand and pulled me up, then toward him. “This belly is really standing in our way now, isn"t it?” He laughed down at me. “Let"s go to bed.”
Lying in bed long after Joseph slept, my thoughts returned to the imminent journey.
There would be no leader to schedule our stops or starts. I was particularly concerned we might have little order to the group.
The morning we left, Daniel insisted we take the donkey I"d given him on my return from Elizabeth"s.
“What a wonderful brother you are!” I exclaimed, and tried to hug him. His face turned as red as the setting sun.
I laughed and tweaked his chin. “Now, don"t go growing a beard while we"re gone these two weeks,” I chided.
“I won"t, Mary, and stop teasing.” He had grown so much, he was rapidly becoming a young man. It bothered me to see him so grown up. Daniel recently attended his Bar Mitzvah, and the bit of white fuzz under his nose when I returned from Elizabeth"s had thickened.
Occasionally, his voice couldn"t decide if it wanted to go up or down. Then, his embarrassment caused him to turn red in the face, especially if there were girls anywhere near.
He was a handsome, dark young man with a large nose and a mouth that grinned a lot. Arms and legs didn"t quite match the rest of his body at times either. He sometimes had the look of a young colt. Often, he couldn"t decide whether to walk like a man or romp like a boy.
As I kissed Leah, I was reminded she was becoming a young lady. Curves were still just a hint on her body. She was much shorter than Daniel who treated her like a special little doll. Her dark curly hair framed an elfin face.
She stopped going to the synagogue for school and Mother now taught her about the prophets as she had taught me. Leah loved learning as much as I had, so Mother"s job was easy.
Daniel and Leah packed food into baskets and filled goatskins. When Joseph and I packed, we carried the necessary clothing for each of us. We knew the Baby would arrive while we were on the journey, so swaddling clothes and other essentials were added for Him.
“Just something I hope you won"t need.” Leah said, as she handed me a gift. I spread it out to look at it. She had made the baby special robes and a tiny girdle. Tears swam in my eyes as I hugged and kissed her.
Though Mother had protested my going earlier, she finally accepted the inevitable and made sure we had everything we might need.
Both families were up early, bidding us farewell. We hugged all members of both families, with each mother giving individual instructions. We all laughed at both of them.
Sarah held my hand a moment and when she let go, there was a shekel in my hand. “Oh, Sarah...” Tears threatened as I looked up at her, knowing how precious this coin was.
“Don"t you dare cry, or I will too,” she ordered. “Just hurry and get back home.” She wiped a tear from her eyes and squeezed me again. “You must not have that baby until you return, either,” she ordered. “I want to be the first to hold Him.”
Sarah"s husband placed his arm around her and explained. “She wants to practice holding babies.”
“Are you..?” I asked.
She nodded, that beautiful face of hers beaming.
“We"ll hurry home.” Joseph promised. “If we don"t get started however, we"ll never be able to get back.”
We walked down the street and out to the countryside, holding the donkey on which our goods were strapped.
The day was overcast and colder than normal. We had packed an extra robe in case the weather turned even wetter and colder. As we left, six of our neighbor families joined us. Leading the donkey along the road, we saw other families appear from low hills, groves, and paths that seemed to begin behind large boulders. The first day, though cloudy, the lively group talked, sang, praised God and got acquainted.
Older men and women had trouble keeping up as we moved over the hills. Younger people slowed and helped the elderly with their belongings. A few children were present. They were thrilled to be allowed to take a journey for the first time. They ran, played, fought and soon tired. Then, any of the group whom the child knew, picked up the smaller ones.
Older children assisted with keeping animals under control. Donkeys were few, but two or three families brought a goat or a sheep or two. These people and their animals walked in the center of the group as on the caravan.
Walking along, leading the donkey, I marveled at the number of people filling the roads. Many were on their way to Jerusalem, we learned. However, I noticed there were almost as many people going in the opposite direction. Someone said they had already registered and were on their way home. Some would proceed to Bethlehem, like us. We all hoped there would be friends or relatives we could stay with.
Our friends gave us a list of names of relatives where we might stay. Others mentioned acquaintances should there be no room with relatives. We weren"t exactly worried and knew God would provide. However, looking at the number of people traveling in our direction I thought we might have a problem finding a sleeping place.
The different groups of people on the road were many. Merchant caravans, soldiers and Jews on their way to the Holy City passed by rapidly. We were too crowded to ever become lonely, I thought.
We moved through the Esdraelon Plains rapidly and onto low hills where desert-like conditions existed. Late in the evening of the first day, one man assumed control and we became better organized.
Some of the travelers were lucky enough to find lodgings with people who lived along the route. Most, however, were like us. They stayed with the group. We spread our pallets or cloaks on the ground, then slept fitfully. Joseph tried to give me his cloak, but I refused. I knew, before our journey was complete, we would both be exhausted and he needed to be as warm and rested as possible, too.
That first night, the men agreed on who would stand guard for each hour of the night, so we all felt relatively safe.
Our new leader agreed we would leave earlier in the morning and move faster if possible, so our journey might be shorter.
Along the way, each of us shared food, water, gossip and news. We all grumbled because we were compelled to make the journey. It was especially difficult for many, because the men needed to be in the fields, or to plan for next year or in the mountains to tend their herds.
However, so many had never seen Bethlehem they looked forward to viewing their ancestral home.
Conversations usually centered around the city and its history because Jewish men and women were steeped in the lore.
We were especially happy on the second day when a Rabbi joined our caravan. He was a learned man who knew most of the stories of our ancestors. He told us stories of Bethlehem and entertained us with the love story of Boaz and Ruth.
He informed us Boaz was his name. Whether we knew the story of Ruth and Boaz or not, he loved to talk so much he kept the children entertained. He began their education on the subject and most listened.
“Bethlehem was originally called Ephrath. Rachel, the wife of Jacob gave birth to Benjamin on the way to Bethlehem. She died and was buried there,” he informed us. “Many years later,” he continued, “a man, his wife and two sons went to Moab because there was a great famine in Judea. After a while, the man and his two sons died.”
As we walked, we listened. The stories helped fight boredom.
“This left the Mother, Naomi, and two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpha. Naomi tried to persuade the two women to stay home and find new husbands. Orpha stayed. Ruth felt there was nothing left for her in Moab and, during the time of her marriage, she had come to love Naomi dearly. So she talked Naomi into taking her to Bethlehem.”
About this time, we stopped for a break during the midday so we could rest for a few moments. We ate our meager rations and drank water from the oasis where we stopped, conserving our water in the goatskins as much as possible.
The weather did not improve as we moved nearer our destination. Rain feathered down at first, then fell harder.
We stopped for a short while as some put up tents as a respite from the weather. Sitting under a tent where as many as could crowded in, we all prayed there would be no snow.
Soon, the rain stopped and a pale sun peeked through the clouds. Joseph helped take the tent down and we attempted to dry our clothing as we walked.
When we resumed our Journey, Boaz continued his story. “When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, Naomi had a relative whose name was Boaz. He owned large fields of grain. Ruth, with Naomi"s permission, went to the fields to glean. Boaz saw her and eventually married her. They had a son whose name was Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse and Jesse was the Father of David.” At hearing the name David, the children clapped and began to sing one of his songs. The Rabbi continued the stories until he came to the last of the ancestors. He ended, stating that the prophet Micah had foretold the coming of the savior of the world. Micah said, “But you, Bethlehem, too little for the clans of Judah, will be the birthplace of the ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.”
The little Rabbi continued. “Therefore, He will give them up until the time when she who is in labor has borne a child. Then the remainder of His brethren will return to the sons of Israel.”
Through the rest of the day, the children entertained each other by retelling the story. Often, they sang various songs of David.
As the third day passed, we walked up hill and down, over rocks and pebbles, stopping at caravansaries when possible to fill our skins and to water the animals. Each time we stopped I wondered if I would have the energy to start again.
As we arose on the morning of the fourth day, I was so weary I wondered if I would last the day. My belly poked out so far it seemed I would never see my miserably tired feet again. As we moved uphill, I leaned backwards in order to balance myself. It was such a precarious position, I felt each moment I would fall. I just knew I"d become a ball and roll back down the hill like the rolly bugs we had played with as children.
Joseph noticed my stance and sat me on the donkey. He refused to let me walk farther.
Though we had made good time on our journey, it was the fifth morning before we arrived at the gates of Jerusalem. Many of our fellow travelers left us and turned toward the city. They were so excited, feet that had barely been able to take a step just moments before now almost flew over the pebbly field. Their gestures and the pleased, excited faces told the entire story. Their happiness that the journey was ended, the idea that they finally had a chance to see the city they had dreamed of all their lives, was overwhelming to many.
Some stood in awe and stared at the magnificence. Others walked through the enormous gates, gawking at the masses of traders and their wares. We heard children scream with delight as we wearily made our way onward.
Some members of the group going to Bethlehem and farther south stopped to admire this most glorious sight.
Those who had never made the journey before stopped to see a part of the city.
We moved slowly past the travelers who stared at the tremendous gates of Jerusalem. Their gazes swept to the mansions and temples that rose above the gates and walls of the city. Inching along, we heard them exclaim in astonishment at the sights of the various races of people selling everything under the sun.
We only had a few miles to go before reaching our destination, but near the mount of Olives, we stopped and Joseph fixed our meal.
“Joseph,” I said softly as he ate. “Did you hear the Rabbi?”
“I wasn"t listening, Mary. I was thinking of you and how worried I am about you.” He chewed his bread and cheese, then swallowed wine.
“I really am fine, Joseph. We discussed the fact that I"m supposed to be here, in this place, in Bethlehem.
Remember?”
He nodded, but the worry crease in his forehead remained until I reached up and smoothed it away.
We knew we must get to Bethlehem because we might have problems finding a place to sleep. Though a little past noontime, the sky was grey with just a tinge of orange and yellow. The weather was a little cooler and the wind was blowing slightly.
I was too exhausted to think of food and was grateful Joseph didn"t notice that I wasn"t eating. Suddenly, a slight pain began in my lower back. It didn"t get any worse, so I ignored it.
Soon, Joseph fed the donkey and I repacked our food and the wine, then sat, waiting for the donkey to finish eating.
Sitting upright, I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew, Joseph was shaking me. “Mary, we"re very close to the town. You must get up. The weather doesn"t look good and I want to try to find a place for us to sleep tonight.”
I sat up, feeling as old as the hills we had traveled through. I rubbed my back. “Does your back hurt?” Joseph asked.
“It"s just a little uncomfortable.” I looked up at him. He was holding a small container of goat"s milk and a small hunk of bread with cheese. “Here, eat this. It"ll give you strength.”
I could only eat a few bites, then gave the rest back to Joseph. He took my hand and helped me rise. He sat me atop the donkey and we were off on the rest of our journey.
As we moved slowly toward Bethlehem, a few clouds floated across the expanse and I was thankful when the sun emerged, if only for a few moments.
Everything bothered me today.“Will we ever get there?” I complained, after hanging onto the donkey for what seemed like hours. The sun had finally managed to stay out for awhile, warming all of us.
“Just a little farther.” Joseph pointed. The donkey wasn"t interested in moving rapidly, so it was late in the day as we neared Bethlehem. I barely noticed the green fields and lush olive groves. I was so weary, I would have been happy to lie under one of the trees and stay there. I knew I couldn"t rest, however.
My pains had begun and we must find a place to rest.
I didn"t want to say anything to Joseph because he was worried enough already. Finally, I simply had to tell him about the pains and let him know in such a way he wouldn"t be too worried.
“Joseph,” As we moved, I held fast to his hand. I looked up at him and said. “You know my time for delivery is near.”
“I know.” He answered. “You aren"t having any symptoms, are you?”
I smiled. “Don"t get excited, but the pains have begun.”
“What?” He stopped and held my hand so tightly, I thought he might break a few bones. The donkey protested when we stopped. He apparently sensed the end of the journey.
Before he could say anything else, I added. “They aren"t bad yet, but I think we have to find a place to have the baby. We need a midwife too, if possible.”
“Mary, if you can tell me what to do, I can do it, but...” his voice trailed off.
I laughed. “Joseph, it won"t come to that, I"m sure. We"ll just pray and God will provide for us.”
His look of relief was so serious I almost laughed aloud.
After reaching the city, we went from house to house, to find lodging. There were too many arrivals to register for the census. None of our friend"s friends had room for us.
We finally agreed we should spend the money Sarah gave us for a room at an Inn. We checked each inn we found. There was not a spare inch for anyone to lie down. At the last inn we visited, the man said, “You"ve told me the inns you"ve visited. There is only one more in Bethlehem. I doubt he will have space either, but you can check with him.”
Joseph thanked him and we trudged wearily in the direction he pointed. As I looked toward the sky, I felt something wet on my face. Raindrops. I didn"t mention it to Joseph, hoping he would not notice.
Walking a little farther we heard music and laughter. “It has to be the one he mentioned, Joseph.”
Joseph tied the donkey to a stake, then said nothing as he helped me up the steps. I saw that the building was erected by stones fitted together. The work looked pretty sloppy to me, and I wondered what Joseph thought about it.
We stood on the top step, looking in. The doors were open and the noise was deafening. Glancing through the door, I saw a huge room. There were so many people mingling...talking, singing and dancing...I couldn"t keep up with it all.
The walls of the room were crude and one could tell the carpentry work was not the best. There were spaces between the boulders where the weather could enter...hot, cold, or rainy.
As we entered the room, no one even looked in our direction.
There was a bar across the entire end of the room, with various containers of liquid visible. Food was displayed on the counter and people were constantly going to the bar, eating a few bites, then returning to their groups.
Joseph approached the Innkeeper who was almost as big around as he was tall. A short man with a fierce mustache, his tiny little eyes were almost swallowed with fat. They were merry, however, as he kept his eyes on those who were eating and drinking.
The closeness of the room only made the odors of the wine, unwashed bodies and food more pronounced. I became nauseous. I swallowed and took a deep breath as I stood beside Joseph, waiting for what was to happen.
When Joseph asked about a room, the Innkeeper shook his head.
“None?” Joseph asked, putting his arm around me.
“Nothing,” the owner said.
“As you can see, my wife is with child. She is about to deliver.” Joseph"s voice was getting louder. “We must have a place for her to lie down.”
“I"m sorry, sir. There is not one bed and certainly not a room.” The Innkeeper seemed to be a compassionate man and his voice showed concern. “I hope you can find a place. Should you need a midwife, my wife practices. I"m sure she"ll try to help in a situation such as this.”
What a blessing. There would be a midwife available and Joseph wouldn"t have to deliver this child. The pains still were not hard, but they were becoming steady.
Every Jewish girl knew how to assist in a delivery. The midwife at Elizabeth"s taught me a great deal about the birthing of a baby, as well. Now that it was happening to me, I remembered nothing of the lessons.
Just then, the Innkeeper"s wife came from a back room with a tray of empty cups in her hand. She took one look at me, and saw the pain cross my face. “Here, Matthew,” she ordered, and gave the tray to him. “Are they looking for a place to rest?”
“Yes. His wife is about to deliver, but we don"t have another inch for someone to sleep, much less a room for privacy.” His voice was kind, but that didn"t help.
She looked at me, thoughtfully. “We have a place where she can lie.”
Joseph and I looked at each other and smiled. God had provided.
“The place where our animals are kept is warm, dry and clean,” she said, facing us. “Would that do?”
“Yes, that will be fine. Thank you very much.” We were used to being around our animals at home, even sleeping with them when the need arose. Besides, she had said it was clean.
She led us around to the back of the Inn, as icy rain drops continued to fall. I thought I detected a snow flake or two mixed with the rain. Attached to the Inn was a small building made from clods, with a roof of mud and boughs. We stepped into the warm space where animals were already bedded down for the night. It looked so cozy and inviting, all I could think of was my desire to lie down and sleep.
As Joseph led our donkey through the door he brayed, greeting the donkey that was already in the room. There were a few sheep, as well as a goat. An ox stood, chewing, looking at everything without interest.
Enormous feeding troughs were filled with straw. The lady checked the trough manger farthest from the door and remarked. “This will do fine for a place to sleep.”
She started to return to the Inn when I let out a moan. My pains had begun in earnest. She flew back to me as Joseph stood with a stricken look on his face.
“Come, sir. Let me take care of her. I"m a midwife.” She turned to Joseph. “I"m sorry I don"t have a birthing chair. I loaned it to a friend a few days ago.”
Joseph helped her make a pallet on the straw. She told Joseph to unpack our animal and tie him so he would be out of the way.
Joseph rushed to get everything unpacked from the donkey. He placed them where he was instructed, near the manger. Tying the donkey, he stood, looking at the midwife, wondering what to do next.
“Sir, if you will be so good as to step outside, I"ll take care of your wife and child.”
He came to me, kissed me softly and whispered. “Mary, my love, I will be right outside. I love you.”
“I love you too, Joseph. Please get something to eat and then rest.” I watched as he walked from the room, looking back at me. When I knew he was gone, I turned to the lady. “Please, what is your name?”
“It"s Ruth.” She smiled and it lit up her entire thin face. “I heard him call you Mary, so you and I shall work together to bring this little one into the world. For now, I must go get my pack. It will only take a minute. Will you be all right?”
I nodded as a pain hit rather hard.