Mary and Joseph are on a journey to Bethlehem to be counted. It is a very long journey.
Mary is very uncomfortable riding on the donkey's back. She is very much with child and very close to deliver. She feels every rock under the hooves. She feels every sway of the animal as she rocks on his back.
Joseph leads the Virgin Mary, he knows she is uncomfortable but she does not complain.
Joseph and Mary pray out load together and sing canticles to God for His blessings.
Mary thinks about the small clothing that she has labored in making for her Child. She knows that her Child will need clothing to stay warm against the elements and she wants her Child to have every comfort possible.
Joseph thinks about Mary and how holy she is - never complain and what a great model of motherhood she has proven to be at such a young age.
They pass the time in holy thoughts, prayer and singing. Mile after mile, step after step.
They finally come to the city of Bethlehem. There are people everywhere walking the streets, riding in carts, on horse and on foot. People searching for places to settle in to eat and sleep. There are people lining the streets. The places to stay are all full.
Joseph finds the location where they need to be accounted for. He does all of the necessary work and goes back to finding somewhere to take Mary to rest.
He asks and asks with no success. There is no place for him to take Mary.
Finally an inn keeper sees the condition of Mary and offers an animal dwelling for them to stay warm and give Mary the rest she needs.
Mary and Joseph thank them for the generous gift. Mary and Joseph pray together, thanking God for the shelter.
They enter the cave together, Joseph giving Mary his hand to guide her steps inside.
Mary takes off her veil and starts to remove dust and cobwebs. She takes it outside and shakes it to the wind.
Joseph arranges clean straw on a feed bunk so Mary can take some rest. Before Mary lays down to rest, she gets on her knees and thanks God for this wonderful place He has sent them to.
Joseph continues to unpack the donkey and arranges all things in order.
It is very bright ouside from the light of a very large star.
