This trip is decidedly uncomfortable. No woman should be required to ride a donkey days before giving birth. Why am I doing this? Because some pagan Roman emperor miles away decided he wanted to count his subjects! Cursing is definitely not suitable for a woman, so I leave all that to my husband Joseph. As I watch him leading the donkey and muttering under his breath, I smile and remember how this all started. The angel, his dream, our quick wedding, and then our lives together…
After my initial fear of being rejected by Joseph, he described his dream to me, in which an angel confirmed my story. He has been such a wonderful husband! We both are subject to the normal urges of husband and wife, but he has respected me as one with whom G-d has been intimate. It is frustrating sometimes, but I had already dedicated myself to my Lord, and Joseph also, so we bear with each other and love each other in all ways open to us. Even after a hard day’s work, he always comes home with a smile on his face and embraces me. I, for my part, know what he has given up for me and work hard at making his home as comfortable as possible. I think our abstinence from each other has managed to draw us even closer together, as we strive to funnel our energy into fulfilling each other’s happiness. Sharing such a wonderful secret also brings us together. Joseph marvels at the change in my belly, and likes to feel the new life moving within me. And when I am tired, he rubs my back and my feet with oil. We cuddle together and wonder what our future holds for us. How do you raise the Son of G-d? How do you discipline the Divine? Would he even need to be disciplined? I certainly hope not! How do you teach one who has access to all knowledge? And just who will change the Son of G-d’s diaper?
This last thought makes me smile, and I watch Joseph plodding along the road. He glances back at me and returns my smile. Even in this discomfort, we manage to find a private place of happiness. G-d has truly blessed us. May He continue to bless us, I think to myself, as I adjust my seat upon our donkey. Caesar Augustus certainly hasn’t!
When word came of the census, the whole village was in chaos. Since Joseph was of the House of David, we had to travel to the Bethlehem to be enrolled in the census. Our neighbors were making plans to travel away as well. We finally found someone who would not be leaving and arranged for them to care for our home while we were gone. Gathering our belongings and making the arrangements at times were difficult for me, since I was getting heavier by the day with my pregnancy. My mother took Joseph aside and had a serious talk with him about how to care for me if necessary. I’ll never forget how red my beloved’s face was as returned from that conversation! My father also had a few words with Joseph, but it was a more manly conversation. Joseph allowed four days for our travel to Bethlehem, and packed our supplies on the donkey. I noticed that he packed one of his sharp tools where he could reach it easily. He and I were both worried about robbers on the road. We kissed our parents good-bye and finally set out.
So here we are, plodding along the rocky road. Joseph curses the Romans and watches for robbers, and I try to keep comfortable and not add to his burdens. Occasionally, Joseph lifts me off so I can stretch my legs, but it isn’t long before he must lift me back onto the donkey’s back. We pass vineyards and fields, and sometimes Joseph asks for some food for me. We aren’t always treated well, and I cannot blame the tillers of the soil, for there are many people on the road and many don’t bother to ask before helping themselves to their crops! But some take a look at me and offer to let us rest in the shade with a small meal of dates, bread and cheese, and fresh water. I am able to dampen my scarf and wipe the dust from my face and arms to refresh myself, as does Joseph. We drink and eat and go on our way with many thanks to the owners and to G-d! How kind people can be!
Finally, we arrive in Bethlehem! The commotion! The confusion! We are but a small part of the mass of people arriving, and we all need a place to stay. The inns are all full, and doors are rudely slammed in our faces, even after they see my need. I suppose I cannot blame them for their short tempers, either. All day they have to deal with demands for space, food, and care for their animals. Poor Joseph, he’s gone to all of his family, but they are all full, also. The day is so long, and so hot! More than once I began to feel faint. Finally, late in the day, an innkeeper takes pity on me and decides to put us in his stable. It is the only place he has left, and we take it gratefully. He lays out fresh straw for us lay on, and Joseph unpacks our belongings. We try to make it as homelike as possible, but it is difficult with all the eyes watching us. Every pack animal from the visitors and the inn’s own small flock are interested in our every movement. The baby has dropped, and every movement is an effort. I smile briefly at their inquisitive gazes as Joseph piles up some clean straw and puts down our blankets. I drop gratefully down and rest while Joseph waters our donkey. By the time he returns, I have drifted off into a deep sleep. He ventures out into the city to bring back some fresh food for our dinner, leaving me in the care of our new four-legged friends. We have safely arrived and have a place to sleep, thanks be to G-d!