NEWS SIDEBAR:  The birth of Jesus according to the Infancy Gospel of James

c. 1997 Religion News Service UNDATED _ Here’s a condensed account of the birth of Jesus as recorded in the ancient Infancy Gospel of James. While packing for the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem to enroll in the Roman census, Joseph is consumed over how to register Mary:”As my wife? I’m ashamed to do that. […]

c. 1997 Religion News Service

UNDATED _ Here’s a condensed account of the birth of Jesus as recorded in the ancient Infancy Gospel of James.

While packing for the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem to enroll in the Roman census, Joseph is consumed over how to register Mary:”As my wife? I’m ashamed to do that. As my daughter? The people of Israel know she’s not my daughter.” Mary still makes the trip on a donkey, but it’s led by one of Joseph’s sons. Another son trails behind. Halfway through the trip _ before they reach Bethlehem _ Mary tells Joseph she is about to deliver.


Leaving her in a cave for privacy and guarded by his sons, Joseph runs off to find a midwife. Suddenly, it seems to Joseph as if everything freezes in time: clouds stop billowing, birds are suspended in flight, workers pause in mid-meal and sheep stop cold in their tracks. Jesus is born.

Just as suddenly, normal activity resumes as a midwife greets Joseph, asking him pointed questions about his relationship with Mary.”And who’s the one having a baby in the cave?”she inquires.

Out of curiosity, the midwife follows Joseph to the cave, which is overshadowed by a dark cloud when they arrive. After the cloud withdraws, the cave is so bright with light they can barely look inside. As the light recedes, they see a newborn at the breast of Mary.

The midwife quickly runs off to find her friend Salome, bursting with news that a virgin has given birth. Salome, also a midwife, is hard to convince:”Unless I insert my finger and examine her, I will never believe that a virgin has given birth.” Mary readily agrees to the examination and Salome is convinced. But because Salome has”put the living God on trial”by initially doubting, her hand looks as if”it’s being consumed by flames.” As Salome picks up the infant, she worships him and is healed instantly. But she is instructed by a heavenly voice not to tell anyone what she has seen”until the child goes to Jerusalem.” Later, led by a brilliant star in the east, the Magi arrive in Judea seeking the newborn king of Israel. King Herod tells them that once they have found the boy to report back to him so he, too, can worship Jesus.

The star leads the Magi to the cave and stops directly over the child’s head. They present him and his mother gifts of gold, pure incense, and myrrh. But a heavenly messenger warns them not to return to Judea.

Herod, in a rage after he realizes he has been duped by the Magi, orders the death of all boys under age 2.

Upon hearing the edict, a very frightened Mary wraps her son in strips of cloth, and hides him from danger in a”feeding trough used by cattles”_ or manger.


IR END PAQUETTE

Donate to Support Independent Journalism!

Donate Now!