Sarah’s Stable
It was a long day for me as crowds of travellers came to Bethlehem. I had helped my parents Miriam and Caleb bake bread, boil broth and carry trays. Sweat beaded my brow, plastering my hair. My head throbbed and my legs ached as I washed the dishes.
Seeing the heavy pouch of coins, I felt happy as we could visit my cousins in Bethany and my most favourite place, our stable could be repaired. The inn was quiet except for an occasional snore, cough or whimper.
“Would you like some broth, Sarah?” my mother asked. “Yes please,”
I answered eagerly.
“I’m starving!” announced father yawning. There was a gentle tap at the door. “Tck, who can it be?” grumbled mother, frowning at father who had already taken up a lantern and was unlatching the door.
I saw a handsome bearded young man who looked anxious and a pretty young girl on a donkey. They looked tired and dusty.
“I am Joseph, this is my wife Mary. We came from Nazareth for the census and desperately need a room tonight,” he said breathlessly, laying his hand tenderly on the girl who looked pale.
“Well son, the inn is full but, um… maybe…” father rubbed his jaw turning to mother. “We have no room, at all,” said mother firmly. I heard Joseph sigh and Mary whisper, “God will provide.” I hoped with all my heart that God would, as my mother would not.
Father murmured in mother’s ear. She fiercely wagged her finger at him, “This is no time for sympathy. Can’t you see she is heavily pregnant?” she said, not caring to lower her voice. “The last thing I need is a baby on my hands. Send them away!” she retorted stubbornly.
“If you can, you do it,” snapped father. “I will!” barked mother. “Mother, I can give them my room. Even though it’s small,” I spoke up. “Don’t talk nonsense!” hissed mother. I looked at father but he only shrugged his shoulders. I knew he was embarrassed. “Mother! Mother!” I pleaded, tugging her arm as she prepared to close the door. “What about the stable?”
“Alright,” she said sternly, “But only for tonight.” They smiled – a smile I remember even today. Father gave them a basket of food and a lantern saying, “There is fresh hay in the loft.” That night I couldn’t sleep. I was worried as the stable was neglected and smelt of dung and mice. I wondered “Are they comfortable? Is it cold?” I thought of the baby to be born. The bright star shining over the stable puzzled me. When I saw some figures hurrying into the stable I was very curious. “What indeed is happening?” I asked myself.
The stable door hung on its hinges. I saw Mary and Joseph, kneeling shepherds and the prettiest baby I had ever seen lying in the manger.
As I cuddled him, old Amos told me of the Angels visit and young Reuben smiled, “The Saviour, Christ the Lord chose your stable, Sarah.” Yes! The infant Prince of Peace’s palace was my stable and I held in my arms the Light and Hope of the World.