what happened when joseph brought mary home
a creative telling of the birth of christ
I have so many questions about the Nativity story. There is so much we don’t know and even more that has been thrust into the story as canon when, in fact, it is fiction.
This Christmas, I wanted to offer a new telling of this narrative that leans into what we are given in the biblical text but subverts our assumptions about an isolated couple journeying through the mountains, an unknown innkeeper, and picturesque silent night and highlights the broader context of the story.
The following is an act of the imagination. It is an attempt to fill in the gaps that are left for us in this story to bring the text to life. I hope this Christmas it is a small gift to you.
Note: This story is published in Sojourners Magazine. To read the entire article for free, follow the link above.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered (Luke 2:1-3).
Sarah used more focus to sweep her home than most butchers use when cutting with a knife. Every bit of dirt was swept away by her broom as she prepared the house for the guests coming to town for the census. She needed to preoccupy her mind. She couldn’t begin to think about what would happen when they came. Miryam, on the other hand, was looking forward to guests coming and was “helping” her aunt Sarah with the chores. Miryam was doing more talking than helping, but Sarah didn’t mind. That is, until Miryam began asking questions.
“Are they staying here?” asked Miryam.
Sarah coyly responded, “Who?”
Miryam stared blankly at her. “Joseph and Mary.”
Sarah didn’t hesitate: “No.”
“But the census … they’ll need somewhere to stay.”
“If Joseph wants somewhere to stay, he will leave her behind.”
A chasm seemed to open up between the two.
Miryam composed herself. “But, we don’t know whose child that is. She says that she’s been faithful. Why would she lie?”
Sarah, stared off into the distance, quietly remembering the Law, “You shall not commit adultery …” She continued cleaning before answering. “Because she knows what happens to women like her. Mary will lie and Joseph will believe her, but we will have no part of it. You must remember that we are God’s chosen people. We are set apart for the world to see. What would it look like for us to welcome in a woman who has been unfaithful to our own flesh and blood?”
“But her story … an angel? What about Elizabeth? Who would make this up? Maybe the Mes—”
“DON’T! You wouldn’t dare believe the Messiah would come to us in this way!” Her anger caught Miryam off guard. A pregnant silence settled into the house. After a moment, Sarah continued, now more gently. “What would our people do with an infant? We need a king. Look outside. Rome counts our heads so they know how much money they’ll profit from our taxes. They bring the entire world to them so they can throw our children into battle, dull swords in hand. They’ll never let us forget about the power they wield over us. How would a baby change that? If you’re seeking the Messiah, look up to the clouds where Elijah was taken to heaven. That is where our salvation will come.”