A Baby in Bethleham (True meaning of Christmas)(Charlotte Chan) A Baby in Bethlehem


It was late fall and my father’s inn was bursting with people. This particular night travelers continued to pour in, demanded to my father for a room. He, of course, said no. My room was no better. With the thin walls and all the business my room was the centre of chaos. The hallways were swarmed with people, and outside was the only place that was almost unobtrusive.

It was a clear cool night with every star out to see. I stared at a pretty one, bright and exposed to all to see. The pale moonlight shone a dim path. The only thing that ruined my silence was the annoying buzz as people burst out of the inn, shaking their fists angrily.

Just then, a couple walked up to the door. The lady was only a girl, maybe about 17. She had soft brown hair and a bulging tummy. The man had an arm wrapped around her and was leading a donkey. The woman was in labour, I thought.

I jumped up to see what my father would do. Pushing through the crowded doorway I listened as the man explained the scenario. My father pursed his lips and said something that shocked me. “I’m sorry, all I can offer to you now is our stables,” he said.

I watched paralyzed as they accepted the deal. Boy, I wanted them to have my room! But my father would never allow it. “Becca, come take our guests to our stables, where they shall spend the night,” he said. I nodded and took them outside.

“I’m Becca,” I introduced.

“I’m Joseph, and this is Mary,” he said smiling.

“I don’t mean to be rude, but is Mary having a baby?” I wondered.

Joseph nodded. “It’s happening,” gasped Mary. They hurried into the stable. I rushed outside and was sitting quietly when Joseph came out. “She did it, Becca,” he said.

I followed him in where Mary was cradling a pink cheeked baby in her arms. She set him down and patted the ground next to her, indicating that I could come. We kneeled. The baby didn’t squall as I expected; he smiled!

“Come,” said Mary.

Joseph proclaimed, “His name shall be Jesus!”

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