As I sit in the private place of my home,
     I look at the image of the family alone.
Rejected at each inn was their encouter,
     an experience that none of us can counter, 
for which one of us could do as she did, 
     tell her betrothed she would soon have a kid.
Wonder if her dearest would think her a mess, 
     and  face the fear of being put to death,
 Which one of us could do as he did, 
     trust in an angel and do as they bid.
Which one of us could that journey make, 
     to be counted like cattle, so the king had his take,
of the very few pennies this man would earn,
     as if money was something  common folk could burn.

As I sit int the private place of my home, 
      I am glad that they did it,  that family alone.
Glad that they trecked that many miles, 
     for their name to be entered into  census files.
Where the baby was born among hay stack and fodder,
    His small little self to become our armor.  
To protect us and show us how to love right, 
    not with force or coercion, or threat of a fight.

As I sit in the private place of my home,
     I give thank that they did it, that family alone.

Prayer for the day:  Dear Lord,  on this day as we turn toward the advent season, prepare our minds and hearts to hear you, receive you, and say yes to you as both Mary and Joseph did.  In Jesus name.  Amen.  

Rev. Nicole Martin 11-21-2022