We have all seen the story of the birth of Jesus portrayed at Christmas. It is a beautiful story, and we never tire of watching each scene unfold. "Mary's First Christmas" is the story of the birth of our Savior as described through the eyes of Joseph and Mary. We may gain insight from them as they picture for us the adversity as well as the joy and excitement they experienced from the time of the angel's appearance to the wondrous birth of God's Son. We catch a glimpse of the awe that Mary felt upon Gabriel's announcement, of the joy she shared with Elizabeth and Zechariah as they awaited the miraculous birth of their own son. We see Joseph's apprehension at Mary's announcement, and how then after seeing the angel in a dream commits his life to God as Jesus' earthly father. We can feel the excitement of the taxing journey to Bethlehem for the census, the fear and hope they felt, even to Joseph's naming of the little donkey who carried the King of the Ages on his back..."Rocky", in memory of the sometimes rocky and dangerous path they followed. We see some of the sensations they felt with their description of the camp fires, the sheep for sacrifice, the beautiful stars in the night sky, and then the discouragement of finding no room upon reaching their destination. But God was always with them, and because of His grace, we know today what they did not yet understand...that this wonderful child, born in a stable, the very Son of God, would bring salvation to a sinful and lost world.
