I was an aggressive young journalist chasing the big story.
A young woman had come from Nazareth to Bethlehem with the man she’d pledged to marry. Obviously pregnant, she hadn’t let rumors about her unusual circumstances keep her from making the journey to register for tax purposes.
I always did extensive research before an interview, and I’d tracked every tip about these two individuals, Mary and Joseph, unexpectedly cast in the most significant drama in human history.
A relative, Elizabeth, confirmed Mary had visited her following a strange occurrence. An angel had appeared to Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, announcing she would become pregnant by the Holy Ghost, and the child would be the Son of God.
How could that happen? A baby without a human father? Son of God? Could a skeptical journalist believe such preposterous claims?
In Bethlehem, humanity flooded the streets—droves pouring in from surrounding provinces to pay taxes. I overheard anxious conversations about a young woman who appeared ready to give birth. An innkeeper said the husband had asked about a room.
“No vacancy!” he said. He’d directed the weary travelers to a stable nearby but still seemed frustrated that he couldn’t provide a comfortable room.
Weaving through the commotion, I located the place and paused to consider how this incredible story might impact my career. I sensed an award-winner.
Without being offensive, I’d ask tough questions, starting with Joseph.
What were you thinking, making this journey with Mary so close to giving birth?
There’s a rumor that you did not father this child. Any comment?
Why should anyone believe that outrageous story about how Mary became pregnant?
I’ve heard the baby is the Son of God. What do you say?
Reviewing my notes I started to speak then seemed frozen in time.
Something about that historic night—dark yet bathed in brilliance. Something about that young mother—pained yet radiant with joy. Something about that adoring husband—humble yet exploding with pride. Something about that modest manger—rugged yet strangely reverent. Something about that holy child—helpless yet having authority.
An infant king lay wrapped in swaddling clothes. Enveloped in awe, I slipped away without disturbing the royal family.
Centuries later in my reality, I’d bow before that King, claiming him as Savior and Lord.
“…Give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
(See Luke 1:26-45; Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25, John 1:14 NIV.)
(First published December 17, 2015 Christian Devotions. Revised and reprinted by permission www.christiandevotions.us.)
Dianne Barker
Dianne Barker is a speaker, radio host, and author of 11 books, including the best-selling Twice Pardoned. She began writing at 18 when she landed her dream job, writing for her local newspaper, and wrote her first book at 24. She’s a member of Christian Authors Network, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and Christian Women in Media Association. Visit www.diannebarker.com.
