GRM 28
The Gospel as revealed to me
Detail
Chapter title: Arrival in Bethlehem.
Date of vision: Monday, June 5, 1944
Calendar: Tuesday, December 10, A.D. -5
Location (map): Bethlehem
Cycle: Birth and childhood of Jesus
Summary: Mary and Joseph set out for Bethlehem. Mary is on the donkey and Joseph is on foot, as he was unable to obtain two donkeys. The Virgin's husband asks her if she's tired, but she reassures him. When Joseph asks her if she's cold, she reassures him too, but this time her guardian is not satisfied with her answer and gauges that her feet are cold. So he gives her an extra blanket.
On the way, the couple meet Elijah, one of the future shepherds who will come to worship Christ. He is accompanied by his flock of sheep and gives them fresh milk. Given Mary's condition, he tells them about Bethlehem, and declares that it is crowded with people because of the edict. The man gives them valuable advice if they can't find shelter, and urges them to go to mountain huts if they really can't find anything.
When they set off again, Mary tells her husband that she thinks the time has come. The Virgin is overjoyed at the birth of her Son, but Joseph is not so happy and hurries to find them lodgings. No one welcomes them, and it finally gets dark. So they are forced to go to the shelters mentioned by Elijah, but the best places are taken. Finally, they are directed to a very poor den, where there is only one ox. They settle in, for want of anything better, but as Joseph says, "it's better than nothing". The animal is very docile and accepts the new visitors. Joseph prepares a place for Mary, warming hay and then, when everything is ready, he encourages her to sleep. And so the vision ends.
Chapter contents: 28.1: On the road in the middle of winter. 28.2: I don't know if you'll find a place to stay. 28.3: There is no room at the inn. 28.4: A kind of cave with an ox. 28.5: Joseph is busy setting up. 28.6: The vision speaks for itself.