Eight.
Eight days.
Eight days of traveling ten miles a day. Mary remembered Joseph’s words as they had started their journey seven long days ago. It would have taken him three days by himself, she thought as she lay against the saddle bags. She looked up at the stars overhead. They looked so close and bright out here away from any town. She turned back to the fire and reached her hands out, warming them into comfort again.
She felt a slight chill as she looked up and glimpsed the shadowy figure of her Joseph, silhouetted against the starlight. A stout walking stick in his hand, he peered into the darkness, his other hand resting lightly on the hilt of the knife in his belt. Not able to keep up with the safety and company of any groups of travelers, she knew he was ever alert for any sign of the roving bands of thieves who frequented the area.
Because of her, they travelled so slowly. Because of her they were in danger. Because of her, Joseph was losing more work time in his shop. Because of her, Joseph was up every sleepless night, protecting, guarding, watching. Because of her.
The census edict had been such a shock. The soldiers, shouting out, then posting Caesar’s command that everyone be registered in a nationwide census. Then the requirement that all men be registered in their ancestral home cities. Funny, but she hadn’t thought of this before. Joseph, descended from King David, would need to travel to Bethlehem. Was this how the prophecy would be fulfilled? How strange that God would use a pagan emperor to work out His will.
So, here they were, their last night on the road. Exhausted, Mary wondered what they would find in Bethlehem. Where would they stay? They had little money. Joseph had brought his tools, hoping to trade his woodworking skills for food and lodging. She rested a hand on the still growing bulge at her waist. How big would she get?
She rolled over and got to her knees. Lurching to her feet, she looked off into the hills. Could she see the faint glimmer of Bethlehem’s lights? What would tomorrow bring? Who would help when her time came? She sobbed once, thinking of her mother, many miles to the north. Joseph appeared instantly at her side, asking about her welfare. Reassuring him that she was alright, he eased back away from the fire, letting his eyes readjust to the darkness.