Follow Saint Alphonsus Liguori to the manger with The Road to Bethlehem. Today, contemplate Joseph’s role in Christmas as the most chaste spouse of Mary and the foster father of Christ.
Meditation
God had decreed that His Son should be born not in the house of Joseph, but in a cavern and stable of beasts, in the poorest and most painful way that a child can be born; and therefore He caused Caesar to publish an edict, by which people were commanded to go and enroll themselves, every one in his own city whence he drew his origin.
When Joseph heard this order, he was much agitated as to whether he should take with him or leave behind the Virgin Mother, as she was now so near childbirth. My spouse and my lady, said he to her, on the one hand, I do not wish to leave you alone; on the other, if I take you with me, I am much afflicted at the thought of all that you will have to suffer during this long journey, and in such severe weather. My poverty will not permit me to conduct you with that comfort which you require.
But Mary answers him, and tries to give him courage with these words: My Joseph, do not fear. I will go with you; the Lord will assist us. She knew, both by divine inspiration, and also because she was well versed in the prophecy of Micah, that the divine Infant was to be born in Bethlehem. She therefore takes the swaddling-clothes, and the other miserable garments already prepared, and departs with Joseph. And Joseph also went up . . . to be enrolled with Mary.
Let us now consider all the devout and holy discourses which these two holy spouses must have held together during this journey concerning the mercy, goodness, and love of the divine Word, who was shortly to be born, and to appear on the earth for the salvation of men. Let us also consider the praises, the benedictions, the thanksgivings, the acts of humility and love, which these two illustrious pilgrims uttered on the way.
This holy Virgin, so soon to become a mother, certainly suffered much in so long a journey, made in the middle of winter, and over rough roads; but she suffered with peace and with love. She offered to God all these her trials, uniting them to those of Jesus, whom she carried in her womb.
Oh, let us unite ourselves also, and let us accompany Mary and Joseph in the journey of our life; and, with them, let us accompany the King of Heaven, who is born in a cave, and makes
His first appearance in the world as an infant, but as the poorest and most forsaken infant that ever was born amongst men. And let us beseech Jesus, Mary, and Joseph that, through the merits of the pains which they suffered in this journey, they would accompany us in the journey that we are making to eternity. Oh, blessed shall we be if, in life and in death, we keep company with these three great personages, and are always accompanied by them!
Affections and Prayers
My beloved Redeemer, I know that in this journey You were accompanied by hosts of angels from heaven; but on this earth who was there that bore You company? You had but Joseph and Mary who carried You with her.
Refuse not, O my Jesus, that I also accompany You. Miserable ungrateful sinner that I have been, I now see the injuries I have done You; You came down from heaven to make Yourself my companion on earth, and I by my frequent offenses have ungratefully abandoned You!
When I remember, O my Savior, that for the sake of my own cursed inclinationsI have often separated myself from You and renounced Your friendship, I could wish to die of sorrow. But You came into the world to forgive me; therefore forgive me now, I beseech You, for I repent with all my soul of having so often turned my back upon You and forsaken You. I purpose and hope, through Your grace, nevermore to leave or separate myself from You, O my only love! My soul has become enamored of You, O my amiable Infant God!
I love You, my sweet Savior; and since You have come upon earth to save me and to dispense to me Your graces, I ask this one only grace of You, permit me not to be ever again separated from You. Unite me, bind me to Yourself, enchain me with the sweet cords of Your holy love. O my Redeemer and my God, who will then have the heart to leave You, and to live without You, deprived of Your grace?
Most holy Mary, I come to accompany you in this journey; and you, O my Mother, cease not to accompany me in the journey that I am making to eternity. Assist me always, but especially when I shall find myself at the end of my life, and near that moment on which will depend either my remaining always with you to love Jesus in paradise, or my being forever separated from you and hating Jesus in hell. My Queen, save me by your intercession; and may my salvation be to love you and Jesus forever, in time and in eternity. You are my hope; I hope everything from you.
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This article is taken from a chapter in The Road to Bethlehem by St. Alphonsus Liguori which is available from TAN Books.
