In the Fullness of Time, Part 4: A Journey of Faith

   In the Fullness of Time is a series of short stories based on the narrative of Jesus' birth found in the Gospel of Luke. For this series, I have used the English Standard Version as the text upon which these stories are based. Most of the quotes are either paraphrases or direct quotes from the ESV.  Part 4 is based on Luke 2:1-5.

   Joseph gathered their belongings.  It was easy enough to fold everything in their blanket.  He looked at Mary.  Her whole world had changed radically about 9 months ago.  Rumors spread in spite of Mary's aunt Elizabeth boldly proclaiming the message the angel spoke to Mary.  Joseph marveled at the sense of peace Mary had settled into after the initial shock of the angel's visit.  Even the news of the census and its required travel was met with a smile.  He'd overheard Mary whisper, "Of course the Savior will be born in David's town of Bethlehem."
   Joseph marveled at his fiancee's perspective as he helped her onto the donkey.  Even as Joseph contemplated Mary's faith, she was reflecting on his.  She was so thankful to have a strong, godly man who stood by her.  She knew as difficult as it had been for her, Joseph faced a different but equal pressure.  Those who doubted Mary's story of the origin of her child wondered, often aloud, how Joseph could stay with her.  They thought him weak.  Mary knew that these men could not be further from the truth. She wanted to defend Joseph against their attacks, but he held her back.  Soon they would understand.
   Joseph stopped the donkey.  They all needed rest.  Joseph thanked the Lord for the shade.  He was beginning to understand the faithfulness of God.  Soon, the world would see how the Almighty keeps his promises.