Contributed by Mary Page Jones, St George's Anglican College in Jerusalem

The couple who said 'YES' to God

I join pilgrims from around the world at The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The church that marks the cave where Jesus was born. We enter the Church marking our transition from Chronos time, time of the world; to Kairos time, time of God. The reverence is tangible. As I stand there watching and listening as pilgrims light candles, sing Christmas carols, read the story or simply look, I am transported back to the night of our Savior's birth. Mary, age 13 or 14, realizes she is in labor. For a moment she wishes her Mother were with her. Joseph goes to the innkeeper to ask for a woman who could help Mary with the birth. Perhaps the innkeeper's wife or a local midwife arrive to assist.

There is a coolness in the cave and a hush interrupted by the animals chewing their straw. Mary's face winces with pain but there is a serenity about her as she goes through the birth. Joseph stands to one side watching, waiting for the first cry of the baby. It happens, the baby is born. Joseph says "His name will be Jesus". Baby Jesus is cleaned up, wrapped in blankets and handed to Mary. Her face is glowing with love as she holds this new born baby close to her.

Joseph peers over her shoulder. They are alone in the cave - Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Alone in those precious moments after the birth of a child. Joy, peace, and calm is etched in their faces. The baby is sleeping and Mary puts him in the stone manger trough. Joseph and Mary sleep. The miracle they were told of has happened. Jesus is born and they know in their hearts he is of God.

Each time I return to the cave in Bethlehem and see the story again in my mind, I am overwhelmed at this couple who said 'Yes' to God. Mary's yes was 'this is my body given for you' . Joseph answered God's call with a unquestioning 'Yes'. Surely people were talking behind his back - engaged to a pregnant woman. Joseph's honor was to God not to gossip.

As I leave Bethlehem to return Jerusalem I am like everyone on a pilgrimage, we never return the same way, even if the road is the same, we are changed. The couple who said "Yes" to God touched me in a new way this year. I marvel at their strength, their trust and their faith. Will I say yes when God calls me to a task? May the birth of Jesus transform each of us and touch our lives so deeply that the only answer we have for God is YES.