In today’s era of reality shows, personal web pages, and "whatever" tube video clips, it is fairly easy for anyone to have their 15 minutes of semi-fame or to have the chance to share the details of their life’s story. But just imagine with me for a moment what we might hear if someone were to sit down for an interview this holiday season with the family who played the biggest part in changing the history (and future) of all mankind.
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Joseph:
I was raised in a large family by parents who were kind but firm. My siblings and I learned early on how to be diligent in our work and we knew the importance of the Holy Scriptures. As a child I daydreamed about what it meant to be in the lineage of David. Imagine there being a king in our family line! But the reality was that I was destined simply to carry on my father’s carpentry business, and I was determined to carry that out with exemplary skill. One day a woman stopped by the shop. I could barely concentrate on helping her because of the sweet sound coming through the window. Outside, the woman’s children were gathered, waiting for her return, and in the middle of them all was the eldest daughter, holding their attention by singing a simple psalm of praise. Her voice was clear and innocent, and the love she had for her Lord was so evident on her face that her ordinary features were transformed into the purest beauty I had ever witnessed. I knew then that my life would be blessed if I could have a wife of such character. Within days I had met with her father and plans were made for my betrothal to Mary.
Mary:
My childhood was happy. I worked hard helping Mama with the other children and learning how to cook and care for the household. Sometimes I would lead the lambs out to pasture and dream of when I might have a husband and children and a home of my own. I would always try to be a good wife, a Godly woman that my family could be proud of. And those thoughts always led me back to singing. Praises for my God seemed to be welling up inside me all my life, and many times it spilled out into songs of my own making. I remember I was singing on that day too. While I gathered vegetables, Father stood out by the road speaking with the carpenter’s son for close to an hour. Then he called Mother to join them and the next thing I knew a lamb was being slaughtered, the best wine poured, and Mother was frantically brushing my hair and dousing the hem of my tunic with scented oil. During the feast, our guest announced his desire to marry me. Assured of my parent’s blessing, I quietly agreed to be betrothed to Joseph. For the remainder of the evening my expression was befitting that of a well mannered young lady, but my soul was dancing and singing for joy!
Joseph:
It had been a hard year, preparing a home for after the marriage ceremony. One hot afternoon, I was resting in the shade after completing another piece of furniture. Mary came upon me there and took my hand in hers. She was trembling, and I listened in shock to the fantastic story she told. I felt as though I had been kicked in the gut. My pure, precious, God fearing Mary, pregnant?? How could she do this to me, to us? My mind was spinning. What would others say, and think? Was she crazy? All this talk of angels, and divine seed. The law said I could divorce her for infidelity. But my heart longed to believe her! That night I only slept finally from sheer exhaustion. And that is when he came to me.
Mary:
I had just finished my evening prayers when I sensed him. I knew he was a stranger, but even seeing him in my room did not make me afraid. The warmth, sweetness and light that filled me told me he was of God. "The power of the Almighty will overshadow you……you will conceive….by the Holy Spirit….." His words did not sink in until he was gone. And it was then that my song came forth again, all the praises I had ever sung as a girl came back at this moment in an anthem of joy to honor my Lord.
Even when I saw the anger and hurt in Joseph’s eyes, I felt peace. And when he sought me out later to tell me of his own visitation, I knew the two of us were carrying the secret of all secrets!
Joseph:
When we finally reached the gates of Bethlehem, I knew we had to find shelter. Mary had been trying to stifle her moans of discomfort for several miles, but they were coming regularly and it was obvious her time was short. After arguing with every innkeeper in town, we found ourselves secluded in a cow stable. I held Mary’s hand as she lay on a cushion of straw and threadbare blankets, and from her mouth came praises in the midst of the pain. Once again, our family was producing a King!
Mary:
The last part of the journey was a blur of gritting my teeth and praying. When I couldn’t take any more, Joseph gathered me in his arms and laid me on the bed he had made. I was terrified but euphoric. I was about to become the mother of our Savior! What honor! What responsibility! Doubt clouded my mind for a moment, but then it was time, and with sweat, blood and praises on my lips, I gave life to the Life Giver.
Joseph and Mary:
The last twelve years have been incredible at times, but also quite ordinary in many ways. When Jesus was born, all of Bethlehem gossiped about the crazy shepherds claiming the vision of angels and the arrival of a new king. Later, Magi came with gifts to honor Him, and we spent years in hiding to protect Him. Finally we settled back in Nazareth and resumed a normal life. But is it normal to have a perfect child? One who never disobeys or talks back, one who seems to have more wisdom and insight into the Scripture than the elders. We are raising Him, but yet He teaches us. Even the priests in the Temple were awed by Him. People notice that He is different. But the truth is still a secret that we share, knowing that one day it will be revealed to everyone that Jesus, our son….GOD’S Son, the Messiah has come!
