It happened that a decree went out at this time from the emperor Augustus, enjoining that the whole
world should be registered… and Joseph, being of David’s clan and family, came up from the town of
Nazareth, in Galilee, to David’s city in Judaea, the city called Bethlehem, to give in his name there. With
him was his espoused wife Mary, who was then in her pregnancy; and it was while they were still there
that the time came for her delivery. She brought forth a son, her first-born, whom she wrapped in his
swaddling-clothes, and laid in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2; 1, 4-
7)
The mystery of the Incarnation is veiled in this humble scene. Joseph loves Jesus and suffers seeing him who
he knows is the Word, the King of the universe, lying in a manger. He would give him any- thing and
everything, yet he has nothing to give. The difference between what he would like to do and his poverty places
his soul in great distress.
But then he grows calm. His sorrow recedes. He renews his dedication to God and carries out the divine
command to love him with his whole heart, with his whole soul, and with his whole strength. He gives himself
completely to God who lies in his arms.