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XM1 The Christmas Story- part I: Mary & Joseph (dioramas)

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The Christinas Story

PART1 MARY AND JOSEPH

SCENE ONE

A long time ago, before there was such a holiday as Christmas, there lived in the country of Galilee, in the little town of Nazareth, a young woman named Mary. One day, as she fed the doves in the courtyard, the angel Gabriel descended from heaven and spoke to her. "Hail, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women." Mary trembled and knew not what to make of these strange words, so the angel said, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for thou hast found favor in the eyes of God, and thou shalt bring forth a son who will be the Son of God, and there shall be no end to his kingdom." "Let it be so," replied Mary, joyously; "I am the handmaid of the Lord."

SCENE Two

 Mary was betrothed to Joseph, the village carpenter, who was a direct descendant of the great King David. One night while Joseph lay asleep an angel of the Lord appeared to him. "Joseph, son of David," said the angel, "take to thee Mary as thy wife. She shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call him Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins." So Joseph did as the angel commanded him and married his beloved Mary.

SCENE THREE

n these times, Judea, the land of Mary and Joseph, resounded to the marching of Roman Legions, and every wish of the mighty emperor, Caesar Augustus, was a command that reached the smallest mountain village. And, so it was, that a herald came to Nazareth and read the emperor's decree that all must reg- ister for the census of the world. SCENE FOUR While throughout the rest of the Roman world, each registered in the town where he lived, in Judea the custom was different. The Jews had always been proud of their ancient kings and heroes, such as King Solomon, the prophet Daniel, and many others. From all over the land they traveled to the cities of their ancestors to register.

SCENE FIVE

Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem, the city of David, eighty miles away. Joseph walked all the way while Mary, who was with child, rode on a little donkey. As they neared Bethlehem, Joseph saw that Mary's time was very near; so, although it was growing dark, they pressed on, and did not stop until they were safe within the city of David.

SCENE Six

But the town was full of census- takers, Roman officials, and ones who had come from all parts of the land to register. There was no room for Mary at the inn, nor was there a house that was not overcrowded with travelers.

SCENE SEVEN

 The only resting place that Joseph could find in all Bethlehem, was a humble stable. There among the tethered animals, Mary brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes. A few miles distant towered the magnificent palace fortress of Herod the Great. This king — by permission of the Roman emperor —slept in state, covered with fine linens, while the King of Kings, the baby Jesus, that first Christmas night, slept on straw in a wooden manger.