Mary and Joseph had traveled many miles to get to Bethlehem and they were both very tired and longed for rest. As they went from inn to inn seeking a room of comfort, Mary was starting to feel the twinges of birth pains. As they neared the last inn in the city, Joseph knew that if there was no room available here, that his wife would be giving birth in the street. He bowed his head and prayed briefly before knocking on the door of the inn. When Mary heard the bad news that this inn was also full, her pain became more pronounced. She looked at Joseph pleadingly.

“Sir, my wife is ready to give birth to her first child. Please I must find shelter for her immediately.” Joseph said with desperation in his voice.

The inn keeper thought for a few moments and then said. There is a small stable behind the inn, but there are animals. You will have to sleep on the hay. That is the best I can do.”

Joseph thanked the inn-keeper and paid him for hay for their donkey. He hurriedly took Mary behind the inn to the stable. He took the bedding out of the bag they had used for their journey and laid it on the hay. He then helped his pain-racked wife lay down on the make-shift bed . Then he brought the donkey inside. There were cattle, sheep and camels in the stalls and birds roosting in the rafters. A few hours later, Mary delivered her Son.

And she gave birth to her Son, her first-born, and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in
the inn. Luke 2:7

The virgin Mary beamed with delight as her eyes took in the beauty of her newborn Son. She cradled Him close, kissed His face and praised God for this wondrous miracle. Her heart was filled with such joy. She knew that she was holding God in the flesh, and still marveled that God had chosen her to be His mother. As He ate at her breast, Mary whispered softly, “My Son, My Messiah!”

Joseph smiled at Mary when her eyes met his and said. “He is beautiful! I will do my best to help raise your Son, and when it is time, we will explain the circumstances of His birth. The angel told us that He is to be the Messiah of the world. We are so privilegded to be His earthly parents.”
When Mary handed baby Jesus to her husband, he drew Him close and smiled. He caressed the baby´s soft check then gently kissed His forehead.

The happy couple loved their wonderful baby, and all through the night they praised God for the Heavenly gift He had afforded them. The stars shone brighter that night and the moonbeams bathed the stable with bright light. When Joseph went outside to stretch his legs, he looked up and saw the most brilliant star he had ever seen. It hovered just above the stable. He ran back inside leaned down and kissed his loving wife. Then he told her about the glorious star.

Mary smiled sweetly at him and whispered. “He is the bright and morning Star, and He is shining His love down on us. Oh, Joseph, we are so blessed!”