Joseph's Blog
Sunday
Just hammered the last nail in the new sign outside the shop: Joseph - Carpenter.com. It's about time the family firm moved with the times. Thinking of some new designs now I'm in charge. Things are going to change. Wonder if Nazareth's ready for carved wooden cherubim outside the village stores?
Monday
Can't believe the price of timber! I know we're an occupied nation and things are tight, but you should get more than six planks of cedar wood for half a camel. Is wood in short supply? Are the Romans eating it?
********************************************************************************** Tuesday
Fantastic! Just got an order in for six new seats in the Nazareth synagogue! Apparently Mr Benjamin has been sitting in the same seat for 35 years and as he's not the slimmest of regular synagogue-goers, being rather fond of his wife's cooking, his seat finally gave up the ghost and the service was interrupted by a crash and wails of 'Splinters in my... b-b-bother!' So they've decided to have me replace the whole row.
Saturday
Great village party - I do like these festivals! One of the best things about being Jewish is that you get so many parties. Lovely when the whole village gets together for a meal (nice to get something different from Mother's cooking too - I wish she could tell the difference between cheese and soap). And the dancing was fun. Especially when Joshua and the boys dragged me to my feet and that pretty lass happened to end up near me for the last dance. Hope I didn't tread on her toes too much. She yelped only once or twice. Matthew said that Aaron said that Joshua said she's called Mary and she lives at the farm by Mount Tabor and she makes a mean cheese sandwich. Joshua says I need to get out more.
**********************************************************************************
Tuesday
Can't believe Mr Benjamin has refused to pay for the table he ordered just because it wobbles. I'm a professional: my tables don't wobble - it's his wobbly floor!
Friday
Never been readier for a rest: spent all day mending Joshua's plough to get it done before Sabbath so he can get it into the fields first thing on Sunday. Slaved over it all day. At least he was delighted with the result - said it'll work better than it has for the last 40 years now the handle's on the right way up at last. He sent a girl round with a bottle for me as an extra thank you. The bottle was nice but the girl - Mary - Joshua's second cousin's grandson's niece - the girl from the dance - was even nicer. She even stayed to chat. With me. Ended up suggesting we shared the bottle in front of the shop. Offered to make me a cheese sandwich if Mother gets muddled with her soap again. She laughs a lot.
**********************************************************************************
Wednesday
Mother and I just back from Paying A Visit to Mary's parents. Mother got a little confused and thought we were buying cheese off them, but I eventually made it clear that my business is going well (despite Mr Benjamin) and I was sober and industrious enough to be considered a reasonably safe prospect for Mary. Mary giggled, I think, but managed to hide the sound from Mother who would not have been amused.
Thursday
Injuries: one hammered thumb, one saw cut to knee (How? How?), one stack of distressed elm dropped on toe, one soap sandwich eaten without noticing until froth appeared. Can't concentrate on anything except her eyes, the swish of her brown dress, and the fresh smell of her. What if it doesn't work out? What if she hates me? What if she finds someone better looking? Can't stand it any more. Am going for a walk by the mountain.
**********************************************************************************
Saturday
She wasn't at synagogue. Has she run away? Spent all day on the lake (delivering oars to some Galilean fishermen) wondering if any of the distant figures on the shore was her. Only threw up four times: a record for me. Benjamin's new table nowhere near finished.
Sunday
Found a cheese sandwich on my workbench. Deliciously soap-free. Have hidden the wrapper under my lathe and check it every now and then. Well, every two minutes or so actually. Table still not done.
Monday
Mary's parents threw a party for us: we're ENGAGED at last!! All the family were there as witnesses - and the whole village of course. Even Mary's Great Aunt Cleo from Alexandria made it - now there's a character. Says they always need carpenters in Egypt with all that building work going on and I'm welcome any time. Mary is going to marry me! Me!
**********************************************************************************
Tuesday
Still haven't finished Benjamin's table, and I don't care! The whole world can go and hammer itself on the head: I'm engaged to Mary! No, I've got to work and make a safe home for her. Must get on with the table. But I'll just pop over to the farm first and see if she's busy. Later: She was out. Really must get on with that table. Is that her coming? Later: No. But she might be back now. I'll just go and see if she'd like to go for a walk. Later: She was in. But she told me she wasn't going for a walk or anything until I've finished the wretched table. I wish Mr Benjamin would sprout boils and fly away.
********************************************************************************** Wednesday
Table finished! Not a wobble! (While I was carrying the table in, Mary sneaked into Benjamin's house, with my spirit level and evened out the floor under the rug, then sneaked out before we came into the room. She giggled a lot, but fortunately he didn't hear her. I did.) We walked in the woods. I told her all about trees and seasoning timber. She was very interested.
Thursday
Started the best thing I've ever made: a cedar wood treasure chest for her to store anything precious in. A wedding present. I don't think she has anything yet. But if she ever gets any presents, they could go in there. Will she like it?
********************************************************************************** Friday
We danced. I never wanted it to stop. Even with her mother and my mother and Joshua and the boys and most of the village watching our every move, it was like two carved joints fitting together without a splinter, without rasping or roughness, just all smooth and shaped and perfect. Made for each other. How long do we have to wait?
Wednesday
I'm shaking all over. I can't saw straight. I can't even see straight. I'm so angry and confused. I can't believe what I heard. I should have guessed she couldn't really have loved me. It was all a lie. There's no point in finishing that blasted treasure chest now. Oh Mary, why did you do this to me?
********************************************************************************** Sunday
Aaron avoided me after synagogue yesterday. I think he must know. You can't keep secrets in a village like ours. They say Mary's been seeing someone. All I know is that she's been avoiding me. If I get my hands on in him... I'll... I'll... Oh, I'm so angry I could burst. I took a hammer to that cursed treasure chest this afternoon. There are splinters everywhere - even in me; and it hurts.
Tuesday
Mary dropped by just as I was clearing up. It was so awkward. I wanted to ask her outright but somehow the words just wouldn't come out. She went on about an angel and a special promise from God... and about having a baby. I think she's lost it. Why make everything worse by telling me all these fairy stories; as if the betrayal wasn't bad enough. It's over! I told her I'd divorce her, but quietly because despite everything I can't bear to see her hurt and shamed. But that won't stop the rumours - you can count on that.
********************************************************************************** Wednesday
Loved... let down... and now lied to... all in one week. It's too much. What did I do wrong? I can't concentrate on my work. Old Mr Jacobs called today to collect his new chair but I've been so distracted I hadn't finished it. He blew his top and said he'd take his business elsewhere. Who cares? Nothing matters any more. Not now.
Friday
I had the weirdest dream last night. It must be all Mary's talk of angels messing with my head; but it was so vivid. This angel said that Mary was going to have the baby and it was God's baby and she needed me still. I even remember what the baby should be called: 'Jesus' it was. A common enough name but this angel said it was because the baby would save everyone from their sins. I can't stop thinking about it. This sort of thing doesn't happen to ordinary people like me, or does it?
********************************************************************************** Saturday (after sunset)
We heard the story of the birth of Samson today in the synagogue meeting. It was all about a visit by an angel and the promise of baby. I just couldn't listen to the Rabbi after that. It's put me in a complete spin.
Thursday
I can't bear it when Mother starts fussing. 'You're not looking well, Joey, my boy. Are you eating enough cheese? And when are you going to bring that nice Mary round again to visit your old mum'... (of course I'm pale. I've hardly slept since the dream!) 'Let me make your lunch.'.I even ate her cheese sandwiches without wincing once.
********************************************************************************** Sunday
I finally plucked up courage to see Mary. I sent a message via young Caleb who thought it was a game. We met by Jonah's tomb - it's only a short walk from the village. I used to go there on outings with my dad - it's a special place. She looked scared and had been crying. This wasn't the face of someone who had betrayed me, I knew that. That dream - that impossible dream - maybe, just maybe, it was true. But even if I could just about believe it, others wouldn't. Mary had to get away. Soon she'd be arousing suspicion. Mary said 'thank you for believing me' and I knew that she meant it and that she still loved me - yes, me - and, although it's crazy and impossible, I still love her too.
Tuesday
Mary called in while I was putting the finishing touches to the new seats for the synagogue. She said that her cousin Elizabeth near Jerusalem was having a baby soon and she needed help around the house. She's getting on a bit apparently and the pregnancy is difficult. I didn't get it at first but then it clicked. Mary could be out the way for a while... away from prying village eyes. Thanks be to God! Perfect timing! Perhaps this is all meant to be, after all.
********************************************************************************** Wednesday
I took the finished seats over to the synagogue. All Rabbi Dan said was, 'About time too' and that was all the thanks I got for my efforts! He's a grumpy so and so. He never even asked about Mary and me but perhaps that was a good job. Mary's off tomorrow. I'm going to miss her.
Thursday
Mary left early with her dad as chaperone. I couldn't go and leave Mother behind and anyway orders at the shop are mounting up, despite the hoo-ah about Mr Jacob's chair. She'll be away for three months and by then she'll be showing. What will happen? Can it be really be true that God wants Mary to have his son?
********************************************************************************** Friday
I have started making a cradle. It's my way of saying I believe it all. It's going to be the best cradle ever. If anyone says anything, then I'll say it's for a friend. Well, that's not a lie, is it?
Tuesday
I keep wondering what's happening for Mary down south. How's she getting on? I'm throwing myself into my work to try to keep my mind occupied but it's is not easy. Mother says I'm looking better. She says it's the sandwiches of course. The cradle is taking shape.
********************************************************************************** Sunday
Yesterday was my turn to do a reading at synagogue. It was a passage from one of the prophets and all about people seeing a great light in the darkness; and then I had to stop because it went on to talk about a baby being born. Everyone was looking at me when I finally stumbled over the words. It seemed like this scripture was about me and Mary and the baby. Perhaps I'm losing it.
Tuesday
I've never seen a Roman soldier close to before. I'd seen them marching past on the road to the city of Sepphoris but this one came right in my workshop! I was scared stiff. I've heard such terrible things about the Romans and what they do to anyone who crosses their path. He asked me... no, that's not right... he ordered me to provide some wooden gladiatorial swords for use at garrison headquarters. This means I'm working for the enemy. But what choice do I have? It's as bad as being a tax collector. If only Mary were here to talk to; she would understand.
********************************************************************************** Thursday
It's been almost three months now and hardly any news about Mary. Should I go down to visit? But who will look after Mother and what about the business? I've made 30 wooden swords so far and hated every one of them. Just think, they'll be using these to practice killing my fellow countrymen. I feel so ashamed.
Monday
News at last! Elizabeth has had a baby boy. Apparently there was some confusion about the name but everyone is happy for the old couple. And this means that Mary will be coming home. I'm over the moon but also scared about what people will say. Perhaps we can tell people that the baby is mine. It's a risk but I'd rather I took the blame for breaking the betrothal and perhaps it will mean we can get married quickly. But what will Mother say? It will break her heart. And as for the neighbours!
********************************************************************************** Friday
That soldier was back again today to collect the rest of the swords. Apparently he's not from Rome but was recruited in some other part of their big empire. Really he's just an ordinary bloke doing a job like me - except he's got authority and the weapons! He even talked about his family and his wife, whom he's not seem for quite a while. I understood that. He talked of their young child too and that made me think again about Mary's return with the baby growing inside her. He also mentioned about the census that the Emperor wants to make so he can count all 'his subjects' - typical! Power gone crazy; and it's just because he wants more money from us. I can barely make ends meet as it is and soon there will more of us to feed.
Wednesday
Mary's back! It's wonderful! And she is managing to hide her pregnancy quite well. I'm so pleased to see her. We went for a walk up by Jonah's tomb again. I'll be like a whale soon, she joked, but it's no joking matter. Even so we had so much to talk about: the birth of John, Zechariah losing his voice for nine months and the things he did say when it came back! It seems that their baby is linked to ours in some strange way. God is at work and has made us part of it. I can't believe it! Mary also confirmed the rumours about the census. Everyone's got to go back to their family town. Mother and I don't come from round here. Our family is from Bethlehem.
********************************************************************************** Friday
Tongues are wagging. Old Miriam has been talking. I knew it couldn't stay a secret for long and Mary couldn't hide the bump forever. And Miriam has been saying some pretty nasty things about me. What will happen when Mother gets to hear of it? It's getting uncomfortable here in Nazareth.
Tuesday
Things are going from bad to worse. The rumours are flying and questions are being asked; and furniture orders are drying up too. I suppose the bad harvest is partly to blame. People can't afford to buy the extras. But maybe it's also because of those swords I made for the Romans - they're saying that I betrayed the country. And when the census comes, that'll mean I must be off south. What's going to happen to Mary and me?
********************************************************************************** Friday
We've been given our marching orders. Everyone has to go back to the city where their family comes from. And I have decided: I am taking Mary with me. In some ways I'm glad I'm going. I can't stand it here anymore. I want to get Mary away.
Monday
I talked through my plans with Mother but I don't think she understood. She said she'll make us both sandwiches for the journey... but there's no way I can take her. The journey would kill her. I wonder whether she can stay with a neighbour... that's if there's anyone who still trusts me here in Nazareth.
********************************************************************************** Thursday
Mary says her parents will take in Mother. I should have thought of that. This means Mary and I can travel together; alone at last. I put the finishing touches to the cradle today and then, to keep it secret from Mary, I wrapped it carefully and put it in with the luggage.
Sunday
Bethlehem, here we come! I've been back only a few times in my life, yet, to be honest, I'm proud that our family comes from such an important place. It's where David was born, the great King himself, and some prophecies suggest this is where the new Messiah will be born too. And who knows, this might be the place where Mary has our baby.
********************************************************************************** Tuesday
Everyone is on the move. People are travelling in all sorts of directions. Just think, an emperor miles way in Rome clicks his fingers and millions of ordinary people are forced to obey, like puppets. Our nation wasn't meant to be like this. We were born to be free. We need a new Moses! These are the strange thoughts buzzing round my head as I lead Mary through dusty and crowded streets and along bumpy country roads.
Wednesday
We stayed with friends last night. It's great to be ourselves for the first time and not have to be ashamed. Yes, we're man and wife, I tell them, and having a baby. But I'm worried Mary's not coping with the journey well. It might bring the baby on too soon. We must get to Bethlehem and find a safe place.
********************************************************************************** Thursday
I can't go too fast; it's hurting Mary. But we're now way behind the crowds on the road ahead of us. We might be among the last to get there. I'm really worried they'll be nowhere to stay.
Friday
Bethlehem at last and it's like festival time. Hundreds of people are on the streets, all looking for somewhere to spend the night. I've tried three places so far but they are all full. I'm getting desperate. Mary says labour pains have started. It's too soon. Surely God's baby isn't meant to be delivered in the gutter.
********************************************************************************* Friday (very late)
It's a boy! Jesus is here.
Saturday (very early)
I'm so ashamed as well as excited! We ended up in a cattle shed behind one of the inns on the outskirts of the town. At least it's warm, I suppose, but this is no place for a baby. And to top it all, when I went to get the cradle from the luggage, I found that two of its legs had broken on the way and so I couldn't even use it as I planned. The only place to put Jesus was in one of the animal feeding troughs. We made it as cosy as possible with some dry, clean hay. But it isn't right; not for a baby sent by God.
Saturday (an hour later)
What a noisy bunch they were, that whole group of shepherds from the hills nearby. They've just been to visit and talked about seeing angels and about this baby being a rescuer. I hadn't even told them anything about the name Jesus, but they seemed to know. What's going on? Mary's exhausted.
********************************************************************************** Friday
We've been here in Bethlehem a week now and have managed to find a small room to rent not far from the stable. There's no way I'm taking Mary back; not now. She needs to recover and the baby needs a safe place to stay, not another long journey. I have to find some work to pay the rent.
Wednesday
Jesus is beautiful. He really is a gift. Sometimes I lie awake looking at him and wondering what the angels meant. Mary is deep in thought too. The angel must have said some very special things to her.
********************************************************************************** Thursday
I'm doing some repairs at the inn to bring in some money. I like the landlord. He was kind to us and this is a way I can repay him. Sometimes I go outside at night to try and clear my head. Last night I noticed a bright star high above us. I'm sure it wasn't there when we arrived a week ago. Strangely it made me feel safe, as if we are meant to be in this place after all.
Saturday
The eighth day after the birth: Mary and I went to the local synagogue to have him circumcised and named. He's Jesus - the one who rescues. I got a bit tongue-tied when the Rabbi asked who the dad was.
********************************************************************************** Tuesday
I've been very busy with repair work at the Inn... with the baby... and with making sure that Mary is properly looked after - too busy to have written much lately. Amazingly, we've been here two months already. It's becoming like a new home. I saw Jesus smile for the first time a few weeks back. It's incredible!
Friday
The whole town is talking about it. Yesterday strangers from the far east arrived on camels. They were searching for something and guess what, it was us they were looking for or, to be more precise, the baby. They were dressed so magnificently, they had to be kings and they told us they had travelled miles following the star to see a newborn king. They meant our Jesus! We watched in wonder as they opened presents for him: there was gold and incense and a special ointment called myrrh, which is used in medicine. What on earth is all that about? What has God got in mind for our little boy?
********************************************************************************** Tuesday
The landlord's wife , Ruth, came to see us today. She'd overheard some guests talking about Herod the local King and how he was furious that the eastern visitors hadn't come back to Jerusalem, as he asked them to. Apparently Herod and his soldiers are on their way to Bethlehem. Everyone knows how crazy he is. Ruth says we must to get away because he'll be mad when he finds out those wise men visited us.
Wednesday
I've had another dream. This was really vivid. The angel told me to leave Bethlehem immediately with Mary and to go to Egypt. I woke up Mary, who believed the message, of course, and so we began packing quickly.
********************************************************************************** Thursday
Bethlehem is behind us now as we escape into the unknown. I feel like a refugee running away from a disaster and, what's worse, I am leaving my homeland behind. What's happening to us? Everything in me says we mustn't stop. Mary suggested that we make for Alexandria, where great Aunt Cleo lives.
Tuesday
We've been travelling for almost a week and are now totally among foreigners, all speaking a different language. I must look after Mary. It's is what God wants me to do. We must keep this baby safe and I've a feeling it's not just for our sake.
********************************************************************************** Friday
Everything is strange - the smells, the food and the customs. Mary reminded me that once our people had been slaves in Egypt. We feel like slaves now, dependent on others to show us the way and to provide food and lodgings. I've managed to trade some of the eastern gold, which has helped, and the perfume makes those overnight stays in dirty rooms bearable. We've not had to use the ointment yet. I wonder why that was given us?
Wednesday
After losing our way countless times in the busy streets of Alexandria, we eventually found the street of coppersmiths, where great Aunt Cleo's family live. She's an amazing hostess! She fusses over us like long-lost children. She's just like Mother but without the dodgy cheese! But we are glad to find somewhere safe at last. Aunt Cleo does ask a lot of questions, though, and it's difficult to know how to answer. The worst moment came today when she mentioned rumours about something terrible that had taken place in a village called Bethlehem. What could it have been? I can't bear to think about it.
******************************************************************************** Friday
I can hardly believe it. We've been here almost a year now. I have found work and Mary is settled, with Jesus growing fast. But Mary is worried that we haven't been to the temple yet to give thanks for baby Jesus and offer the usual gifts. But how can we return to a country where a madman is in charge?
Monday
Today we have received the all-clear. Apparently King Herod has died and, as if to confirm it all, I had another dream. It was time to go back. I'm getting used to God speaking to me like this. Now I know anything is possible with God.
********************************************************************************** Friday
We're packed and ready to go. Jesus took his first steps today and fell over one of the packing cases. We go back as a real family but what lies ahead for us? What sort of rescuing is Jesus meant to do? And how can we bring him up safely? How can I be a father to him when he is God's special gift to Mary? So many questions! I've been making wooden toys for Jesus to play with. Maybe one day he'll take over the business? And maybe one day he too will put his hands to wood and create something beautiful for others?
