; SUMMA 21: Mary Gives Birth to Jesus.

Monday, September 22, 2025

Mary Gives Birth to Jesus.

 

Author’s Note

In my previous story “Joseph’s Decision: He Will Take Mary to Egypt” we learned why Joseph left Nazareth, and why he chose to go to Egypt. But the trip is interrupted by the birth of Jesus. A careful analysis of contemporaneous events suggests Jesus was born in late September or early October, 5 B.C. A point of historical irony: it is entirely possible Jesus was conceived on December 25, 6 B.C.

………………………

Late September, 5. B.C.

 Joseph decided to follow the Jordan River south to Jerusalem. They could join one of the many caravans headed south from Syria for safety. Following the river route would be easier on Mary and he believed they could make it to Jerusalem before she was due. Joachim had supplied them with a donkey to carry their meager possessions. From time to time Mary would ride on the donkey to give her tired feet a short rest.

But as they walked south along the Jordan River, Joseph and Mary encountered several groups of travelers going north who told them alarming stories of skirmishes with the Romans in Peraea.

“Herod is in trouble,” Joseph commented to Mary as they turned southwest toward Jericho. “I’m glad we didn’t go through Samaria into Judea. The Romans are losing control. The people we met this morning believe Herod is becoming more and more paranoid. That only makes him more dangerous.”

They walked along in silence for a few moments before Joseph spoke again.

“Herod has alienated everyone. He observes Roman pagan holidays, builds pagan temples, sponsors arena games and now he insults us with that blasphemous gilded eagle. They say Herod has even executed his own son in order to maintain his throne. Where will his cruelty stop?”

Mary looked thoughtfully at her husband.

“Joseph, we have been ruled by Assyria, Babylonia, Greece, Egypt, Syria and now the Romans. I know you look forward to the day when we will be an independent nation ruled by the laws of God.”

Mary was about to say more when she suddenly realized she was beginning to feel ill. They continued their journey in silence.

Jericho was in turmoil. When they reached Bethany they were met by several terrified people who warned them the Romans had just crucified several rebels. For the moment, Jerusalem was not a safe place for anyone.

Upon hearing about the crucifixions, Mary began to tremble uncontrollably - as though from the cold.

“Joseph, get us out of here!” she cried out “do something. Please! Let’s keep going south!”

Joseph, temporarily confused by the excitement, managed to nod his head in agreement. They walked as fast as they could by the Mount of Olives, found the road to Bethlehem, and turned south. As they walked along, the noise of Jerusalem began to fade and within an hour the countryside seemed to be serenely peaceful.

Mary again began to feel ill.

God have mercy on me, she thought.

***

God was indeed merciful. That night they camped with a group of travelers who were headed north to the Decapolis. The next morning they joined a caravan headed south toward Hebron. But as they approached Bethlehem, it became clear Mary was soon to be a mother. The last few miles were especially difficult. Mary struggled to keep up with the caravan. The sun had almost disappeared over the western horizon by the time they at last entered Bethlehem. Mary knew she could go no further. Joseph found her a stone bench in the public square and she gratefully sat down to rest.

Joseph searched the darkened streets for help. A sympathetic neighbor pointed to a humble house near the square. Joseph, unsure what to expect, and very worried about Mary, quickly walked to the house and knocked on the door. Inside he could hear a shuffling noise and then the door opened just enough to reveal a large woman. She looked uneasily at Joseph.

“Can I help you?” she said with suspicion.

Joseph, tired, dirty and very nervous about Mary, certainly looked like he needed help.

“My name is Joseph. I am from the house of David. I have been told I have family in Bethlehem. I met a man who directed me to your house. Please help us, my wife is about to give birth.”

The look on the woman’s face immediately changed from one of suspicion to a mixture of surprise and joy. She threw open the door and rushed to give Joseph an affectionate hug. Joseph almost lost his balance, so passionate was her enthusiasm.

“Gabriel told me you would come!” she cried “I didn’t want to believe him.... but I wanted to believe him.... but,” the woman abruptly stopped talking and looked with alarm over Joseph’s shoulder “where is your wife?” she exclaimed.

Joseph freed himself from the woman’s hug and managed to regain his composure.

“She is in the square, near the community well.”

“Go fetch her,” the woman commanded “go fetch her at once and bring her here!”

Joseph, relieved by the woman’s obvious warmth, turned toward the square and went back to the stone bench where Mary was Seated.

“I found help,” he said “a woman asked me to bring you to her house.”

Joseph helped Mary to her feet. “And,” he said with excitement, “she said Gabriel told her we would be coming.”

Mary was so tired she could only manage a small smile. Joseph gave her as much support as he could as they walked slowly to the house. The woman greeted them on the steps and helped Mary inside.

“We are the house of David. Our family is proud of our heritage.”

The woman helped Mary to a chair by the fireplace and quietly examined Mary’s face.  She placed her hand on Mary’s forehead and nodded with satisfaction.

“We don’t have much money,” Joseph declared, still uncertain about what was happening.

The woman dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand.

“My name is Genisia.... We will gladly share what we have with you and your wife. I will find some way to make room for you both.”

Genisia paused for a moment, thinking about Mary, Joseph and how to help them.

“You can make a place for yourself in the barn. It will be warm there. The animals won’t mind.”

(In 5 B.C. it was not unusual for people to sleep with their animals in a barn or cave. Located in a structure attached to the house or in a cave, they would be protected from the weather and thieves.)

***

Jesus arrived before midnight. It was an easy birth. Having had five children of her own, Genisia knew exactly what to do. After he was born, Genisia cut and tied the umbilical cord, washed him, rubbed him with oil, and bundled him in swaddling clothes. They gathered hay from the barn and made a crib for him in the manger. Although exhausted, Mary was a serene and happy mother. She lay back on hay stack to rest. Like most fathers, Joseph was both delighted to have a son and almost overwhelmed by his love for Mary.

Genisia looked with affection at the young couple.

“Well,” she said “I cannot do much more for you and I am tired. I’ll say goodnight.”

But Joseph wanted to ask Genisia a question. He left Mary’s side and took Genisia by the hand. He looked at her gravely.

“Gabriel told you?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said quietly “he was very animated..... about Mary..... about you...”

Genisia smiled broadly at Joseph “And I know all about your little secret,” she teased.

Joseph responded with alarm. “Everything?”

“Yes, but do not worry my young friend, your secret is safe with me.... and who would have ever guessed that I.... me.... a humble nobody, could help bring him into this world.”

Joseph relaxed. “We both thank you for your help. You have done all that God could ask of any woman.”

Genisia started for the door, but abruptly turned once again to face Mary and Joseph.

“One of my sons is a shepherd. He and his friend are on their way here; they are bringing lambs to sell in the market. Do not fear them.”

Genisia looked at Mary with sincere reverence. “I do believe you have given birth to the lamb of God.”

Mary smiled and settled back into the comfort of the hay.

Genisia beckoned for her two dogs to follow her into the house. But they refused to come. Instead they curled up next to the crib. Genisia understood. They would guard Jesus while Mary and Joseph were asleep.

Joseph walked to the open door of the manger and looked up at the stars. Rays from one particularly bright star seemed to bathe the manger with a soft glow.

He was suddenly filled with joy.

“We have a son!” he exclaimed.

Joseph closed the heavy door and returned to Mary. He knelt down and carefully positioned himself next to her. Joseph cuddled Mary in his arms and gently kissed her forehead. Exhausted but happy, she was soon blissfully asleep. Joseph lay back and allowed the haze of sweet sleep to overcome his senses. But just before he fell into a deep slumber a voice filed with love and compassion echoed through his thoughts.

“We have a son!”

***

On a hill not far from Bethlehem, several shepherds were keeping watch over their sheep. Genisia’s son and his friend had joined them in the late evening hours to cull out three lambs. They were all suddenly aware of the beautiful star that bathed Bethlehem in a soft light. At first, they were terrified.

“It is an omen,” said one shepherd “something important has happened.”

“Whatever has happened, it must be good,” responded a second shepherd “let us praise this sign which clearly comes from God.”

Genisia’s son looked at the star and followed its rays as they descended to Bethlehem. He was struck by a feeling of joy.

“The light of the star is falling on my house!”

He quickly picked up his staff, motioned to his friend, and the two of them started for the village, guiding the lambs before them.

Full of wonder, one of the shepherds began to sing: “Oh little town of Bethlehem….”

..............

Note 1

Three points:

1 Although it would have been difficult for Mary to travel so far in the last month of her pregnancy, a trip in her condition would not have been unusual in 5 B.C.

2. While there is no reliable record of King Herod ordering all the Jewish boys in Bethlehem to be killed, there is ample historical discussion to support the turmoil that gripped Israel during this period. Devoted to the God they loved and dedicated to the task he had given to them through the angel Micah; it is perfectly credible that this young couple – would seek to flee Israel. They were not alone.

3. Other than responding to sincere prayer, God seldom interferes with human life, preferring we go our own way. If he has a plan for us, as he did for Jesus, he will take steps to protect us from harm and lead us in the direction he has chosen.

........

Text from my novel – free - “Am I Your Son?”

A Spiritual Journey with Jesus Christ

Let us unite our perception of the physical with our experience of the spiritual.