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| Icon of the journey to Bethlehem in the Monastery of Chora in Constantinople |
The story of the journey of Mary and Joseph as pictured in the icon mosaic:
There is an icon of their trip in the Monastery of Chora in Constantinople (Istanbul). In it we see Joseph with a slight stoop and a gate of an elderly man. He was generally thought to be about 80 years of age at this time. His eyes are turned toward Mary who has her head turned towards him. One of Joseph's sons is leading with his mantle flowing and carrying a bundle of provisions for the trip.Apocrypha written after the four canonical Gospels, the earliest of which was the Gospel of James, from about 150 AD, state that Joseph was a widower, who had children by his first wife.
A Christmas poem by the gay poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, who converted from Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism and became a Jesuit priest.
Moonless Darkness Stands Between
Moonless darkness stands between.
Past, the Past, no more be seen!
But the Bethlehem-star may lead me
To the sight of Him Who freed me
From the self that I have been.
Make me pure, Lord: Thou art holy;
Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly;
Now beginning, and alway:
Now begin, on Christmas day.
