Mary's Story: Part Three – Church of the Ascension

Journey to Bethlehem

by Rhonda Waters

There once was a young woman named Mary. We don’t know much about her except that she was engaged to marry a man named Joseph and she lived in a town called Nazareth. Then, one day, something extraordinary happened to Mary. Do you remember what happened? (Read Part One)

After she was pregnant, Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was also having a baby. Do you remember what happened? (Read Part Two)

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months before going home to Nazareth. Things were quiet for a while. Mary’s baby grew and grew and even Joseph seemed to be getting excited for the birth of the miracle baby.

Then they got some news. This is that story.

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Joseph:
I couldn’t believe the news when we heard it. I mean, really? A census? Like the Romans weren’t already collected plenty of taxes – all we could pay and more, in fact. Did they really need to count the tax payers? And why make us go back to our home towns? Why not count us where we were, if they had to count us?

Because Rome likes to push us around, that’s why. But there was nothing to do but do as you’re told so Mary and I headed off for Bethlehem – with her almost 9 months pregnant.

Mary:
This sucks.

Joseph:
I know. At least we were able to take the donkey – it’s better that we aren’t carrying everything.

Mary:
I am carrying everything. I’m carrying an entire baby. My back hurts. My feet hurt. I’m hot and thirsty – but if I drink anything I just have to pee. I hate Rome. If I give birth at the side of this road, I am not going to be happy about it.

Choir: Do not, do not, do not be afraid. Do not, do not, do not be afraid.

Joseph:
But what could we do. We trudged on, up and down the hills, with dust kicking up around us. It must have taken at least a week. It was good to have the donkey but, half the time, we practically had to drag it along behind us. It would have preferred to stay home, too.

Donkey: Hee Haw

Mary:
And the whole time we’re walking, I’m wondering about Joseph and how he’s feeling about the baby. Will he love it, like I already love it? He decided to stay with me; to help me take care of him -this little Jesus who is coming any day now. Although hopefully not before we get off this road.

Joseph
And the whole time we’re walking, I’m wondering what I’m doing. Do I really believe this story about an angel? Am I ready to be a father? Especially to a miracle baby? What will happen once the baby comes? Will God want more from Mary? From me? Will we be able to say “yes” again?

Choir: Do not, do not, do not be afraid. Do not, do not, do not be afraid.