Chapter Four
THE BIRTH OF JESUS

Now, when Mary was great with Child there came a decree out of Rome from Ceasar Agustus that all the world should be taxed. All went to be taxed, every man to his own city. Joseph went up from Galilee into Judaea unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, for he was a descendant of David.
2 He went up to be taxed and Mary went with him. As they were nearing the city there were soldiers of Rome along the road. When they saw Mary they made jests in their own language, gestures with their hands and their bodies. When Mary saw these things she was ashamed, hiding her face.
3 As they continued an officer approached Joseph stopping him. Going to the men he cried at them loudly in their own tongue, made them come before Mary and bow down.
4 The officer spoke to Mary in her tongue saying the men apologized for their rudeness. If she wished he would have them punished. For far away his wife, too, was heavy with child. He would not want her to think that there were no honorable men in Rome.
5 Mary blessed him, saying that she appreciated his kindness but she did not want the men punished, his stern rebuke was enough.
6 The officer smiled and bid Joseph good journey.
7 They entered into the city and found that there was no place for them. Joseph pleaded with an inkeeper for shelter as Mary was preparing to bring forth her child.
8 The inkeeper gave them the only space he had...a stall in the warmth of his stable. His wife came out and there Mary did deliver her First Born Son.
9 They wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger. The very beasts sheltered there seemed to gather to adore Him.
10 There was, in that country, shepherds abiding in the fields keeping watch over their sheep, for the nights were not yet cold.
11 Behold! The heavens opened to them. A great host of angels singing great praises appeared unto them. The shepherds fell to the ground trembling, thinking that it was the end of the world.
12 But one of the angels descended among them, comforting them, and saying, "Fear not, for behold, I bring to you good tidings of great joy which shall be for all the world. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ The Lord.
13 This is how you shall know Him. You shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger at the stable of the first inn as you enter into the city."
14 With this the rest of the angels again burst into song, praising The Glory Of God In The Highest, and wishing on Earth Peace, good will toward men.
15 When the heavens had darkened a bright star shown over the city that had not been there before, that gave more light than the moon. The shepherds made haste, found The Child with Mary, and, Joseph, presented unto It gifts, according to their means.
16 They praised The Child and took Mary's blessing, then went about through the city praising God, telling all that they had seen and heard.
17 As Joseph watched them go he saw a figure standing in the shadows. "Come," he said, "you are welcome!"
18 When the figure came into the light Joseph saw that it was the Roman officer from the road. "I am not of your house," the officer remarked, "but I have seen the angels, the star, and know their meaning. May I come and see The Child?":
19 Joseph stepped aside, motioning him to enter. Mary uncovered The Child, that he might see. The soldier of Rome knelt down and kissed The Child on the forehead.
20 "This night I know," he remarked, "my son also is born. I cannot be with him to give him the kiss of welcome. I hope you do not mind that I welcome your son into the world in his stead. You know, of course, they will travel the roads together, their destinies are entwined.":
21 Mary smiled and nodded. The Roman sighed and rose. "Do not be sad," Mary comforted, "that which must be must be. None of us can change destiny."