The Christmas Rose
An Advent Story Calendar
Day Twelve
Mary’s fiancé Joseph, from Nazareth in Galilee, had to participate in the census in the same way everyone else did. Because he was a descendant of King David, his ancestral city was Bethlehem, David’s birthplace. Mary, who was now late in her pregnancy that the messenger Gabriel had predicted, accompanied Joseph. While in Bethlehem, she went into labor and gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped the baby in a blanket and laid Him in a feeding trough because the inn had no room for them. Luke 2:4-7
“Oh, I didn’t forget Madelon,” said Joe. “Although her brothers had. They left without their supper not even giving Madelon a thought.”
As her brothers hurried off, Madelon thought about all she had seen and heard. Angels bringing news of a savior? Strange creatures carrying men looking for a king? What could it mean? Without thinking, Madelon ran after her brothers. Perhaps she could catch up and see the king too.
But a small girl like Madelon couldn’t keep up. She lost sight of the travelers and soon her brothers were vague shadows in the distance. She would arrive late and without a gift. But that didn’t stop her. Determined to see the new king, she picked her way down the winding trail to Bethlehem in the dark while snowflakes twinkled in the star’s light. Outside a small cave, she saw the strange creatures resting, jaws chewing in rhythm. Light streamed from the cave. Madelon crept closer to look into the small opening. Inside, sheep slept in the hay, her brothers knelt in homage, a young woman rested on blankets, and an older man kept watch. In a manger, wrapped in cloths. lay a baby.
“He doesn’t look like a king,” Madelon thought, but, then again, she had never seen a king. Creeping closer, Madelon felt a kind of peace settle in her heart. She blinked and focused on the baby again. He woke with a coo and looked up at his mother and father. A smile flickered across his face and warmed Madelon’s heart. In that moment, she saw a king, one unlike any other, and knew that she too must bring a gift.
Rose History: During the 12th and 13th centuries, crusaders returning from the Middle East brought back stories of splendid rose gardens. They brought gifts of roses back to their loved ones.
Rose Hues: Ivory roses represent thoughtfulness, gracefulness, and charm.
Prayer: O come to my heart, Lord Jesus. There is room in my heart for thee. Amen
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