The Holy Family is travelling from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and we want to travel with them. We hope these letters, narrating the trip from St. Joseph’s perspective, helps all of us get ready for the journey, face the challenges that come our way, and, above all, prepare our hearts to welcome God, who makes Himself a Child for us.

 Download all six letters as an ebook: Joseph’s Journal (epub)

The last two days have been especially challenging. We walked about twenty-five kilometres, all uphill, as we made our way toward Jerusalem. Mary has not complained at any point, even though the terrain is particularly demanding, and I know it’s taken immense effort. Seeing her like this pains me. I wish I could do more for her.

Have you ever felt incapable of doing something you wanted to? I’ve hardly thought of anything else in the last two days. I’m good at my trade. I can explain to you, step by step, how to repair a cart without even seeing it. I can identify a type of wood simply from the smell it gives off when cut. I can choose the exact tool for each task at a glance. Yet here I am, uncertain about which path to take.

All that remains for me is to look at the star. It shines over Bethlehem to guide us with an unfading light that I think I see in Mary’s eyes, too.

We stopped in Jerusalem today. If all goes well, we’ll get to Bethlehem tomorrow. I’m worried because, given the number of pilgrims, I don’t know whether we’ll find a place to stay.

Being in Jerusalem is always meaningful for any Jew. When I contemplate its streets and the walls of the Temple in the distance, I cannot help but wonder whether Jesus will walk these streets one day. What will happen then? Will Jerusalem open its doors to receive the Messiah? Will its streets be lit up to welcome its God?

I don’t know what awaits Him. I only hope that many hearts will be ready to receive Him, because sometimes people fill themselves with worries and leave little room for what truly matters. I do the same thing. That is why I talk to Mary so much. She helps me keep peace within, making my heart ready to welcome the Messiah.

We were delayed somewhat on the ascent to Jerusalem, and ended up separated from the group because of Mary’s condition. An older man and his wife stopped to accompany us. They were especially moved to be walking alongside Mary. It was as if they already loved the Child who is to be born, as if He were their own. Because that Child has come to Mary and to me, yes, but in truth He has come for all the homes of the earth. And that elderly couple, without realising it, had already opened the doors of their home to the Lord. I want to learn from them.

As I observe our surroundings, I find myself asking, “Why me?” Why did God choose me when so many others are so much more capable? But that might be the wrong question. I think I should be asking how I respond to God’s invitation.

Despite everything, I am full of hope. Even now, when I am tired and not entirely sure what to do, the star is shining over Bethlehem. And if God, who changes the course of the stars, paints the sunsets, and makes the trees dance with the summer breeze, is with us, how can I fail to be at peace?

At this time tomorrow, we will be in Bethlehem. Very soon, God will look upon the world through the eyes of a newborn child. And I will look upon Him.