Rural Judea, Occupied Israel - Government officials, military leaders and religious groups offered no comment this week about the low-income woman forced to give birth to her child in a Bethlehem stable.

The woman, named Mary, told reporters that she and her husband Joseph, both from Nazareth, came to town for the census, but could find no lodging. Soon after settling in an innkeeper's stable, the parents said, she went into labor. The two attracted the attention of several area shepherds, who stopped at the stable soon after the birth.

Judea has been packed this month with travelers returning home to register with the army in compliance with a recent Roman law. Judean officials have urged all residents to comply with Roman law and all orders given by Roman soldiers. The crowds have overflowed from local inns and guesthouses, causing many people to complain about those who have been left homeless. Others complained that the shepherds who gathered at the stable only made the situation worse.

"I don't need my children walking down the street bumping into people who have no place to live or who spend their lives living in the fields with animals," one resident said.

Meanwhile religious leaders warned residents to proceed with caution before reaching out to the strangers. "We really don't know much about these people," one leader said. "It is important to be compassionate, but remember that you can defile yourself before God by mixing with sinners."

Local Judean and Roman officials said they knew nothing about the stable birth, adding that they were too busy with the census to investigate. Some leaders expressed regret that so many people could find no temporary housing while in the area, but argued that they were powerless to help.

"This census will end soon," one official said, "then everyone will go home and forget about all of this. Life will get back to normal very soon."

Catholic Connections

The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord." - Luke 2:9-11

Reflection Questions

How has this birth, ignored at the time by the world's powerful, been Good News that keeps your life from being "normal?"

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