A dozen other parents stood around them, waiting to present their sacrifice to the Temple priest, and, therefore, their children to the Lord. Babes squalled, apparently growing as impatient with the wait as some of their parents. Jesus cuddled against Mary’s chest, quiet as a lamb and unbothered by the surrounding noise, His tiny fist …
In the Manger ~ Part 4: The Innkeeper’s Son
There was a baby in their stable. That’s what Abba told Eli after he woke to the sound of strange screaming and yelling coming from outside. For hours it seemed, the loud noise went on and on until finally it stopped. That’s when Abba explained that a lady and her husband had become an abba …
In the Manger ~ Part 3: The Shepherd
Abel groaned as he lowered his aging bones to sit on a boulder. He settled against the stone that years of wind had worn smooth, bracing his hands on knobby knees. A soft bleat met his ear as his favorite lamb ambled to his side. “How are you tonight, boy?” Abel scrubbed a hand over …
In the Manger ~ Part 2: Joseph
I hope you’re enjoying this special Christmas story series! If you haven’t read Part 1 you can read it here! “It’s time. He’s coming.” “What? Now?” Joseph rushed to Mary’s side, wrapping an arm around her small shoulders. His heart tripped over itself, then sped into a gallop, hammering in his ears. She hissed a …
In the Manger ~ Part 1: Mary
Mary clasped a dust covered hand over her swollen abdomen as the donkey stumbled on a rock in the road. She clutched the beast’s coarse mane with her other hand to steady herself. The firm sphere of her stomach was hopelessly awkward and cumbersome these days, making it difficult to balance on the ground, let …