Emily Freeman - God Bless Your Way

Text 2007 Emily Belle Freeman
God Bless Your Way and Christmastime 2007 Hilary Weeks
Illustrations 2007 Dan Burr

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Freeman, Emily, 1969

God bless your way : a Christmas journey / written by Emily Freeman ;

music by Hilary Weeks ; illustrations by Dan Burr.

p. cm.

Summary: Elderly Micah, a childless widower from Nazareth, receives gifts of a blanket and food as he seeks shelter for the night in Bethlehem, but the greatest blessing comes after he is reunited with two kindly traveling companions and their newborn son in a stable. Accompanying CD contains the song on which the story is based, two additional original songs, and two other Christmas songs.

ISBN-13: 978-1-59038-806-8 (hardcover : alk. paper)

1. Jesus Christ--Nativity--Juvenile fiction. [1. Jesus

Christ--Nativity--Fiction. 2. Christmas--Fiction. 3. Generosity--Fiction.]

I. Weeks, Hilary. II. Burr, Dan, 1951- ill. III. Title.

PZ7.F87476God 2007

[E]--dc22

2007019670

Printed in the United States of America

Inland Press, Menomonee Falls, WI

10987654321

For Leslie Oswald and Bonnie Freeman whose testimonies have
strengthened my belief in the Giver of every good gift
EF

To Him whose birth promises that none of us
ever has to journey alone

HW

To Mom and Dad for all the wonderful Christmas memories
and to the Micah in all of usmay we find what we are searching for

DB

M icah was going back.

The way had been long and wearing, and the day was coming to a close. Five days earlier, the old man had packed a small knapsack with the few necessities his poor income would allow. Then he had set off with the crowd of country people who had been ordered by the king to return to the town where they had been born.

Micah walked on the uneven edge of the road so he wouldnt get in anyones way. Just in front of him a young woman, heavy with child, rode on the back of a donkey. Her husband led the way, walking slowly to make the ride smoother. They had kept this slow pace all the way from Nazareth, and Micah had followed closely behind.

As he walked, Micah thought about the young woman. He could tell that the baby would arrive any day now, and yet the couple traveled with barely any belongings. He wondered if the young mother and her new baby would have everything they needed.

T he woman was beautiful and kind. Every so often she would turn toward Micah, offering a smile of gentle encouragement as he plodded along behind them. And each time they stopped for water, she made sure that her husband offered Micah a sip.

A familiar ache filled his heart as he watched them.

Micah and his wife had always wanted a child, but after many years they realized that it wasnt meant to be. After his wife died, the house was left empty.

It had been a long time since anyone had looked after Micah.

A s the sun took its place in the west, the weary man rounded the final bend. The little town of Bethlehem lay before him, its streets full to overflowing with exhausted travelers, each anxious to find shelter and rest.

Feeling the familiar ache that often tugged at his lonely heart, Micah lifted his arm to wave farewell to the young couple. Then, after pausing to search for his
direction, he entered the bustling town.

Dust was filling his sandals as he wandered his way through the streets. The night air had turned crisp and chilly, and Micah was hoping to find something to eat and a warm place to stay for the night.

F inally he found the narrow alleyway he had been looking for. Nestled at the very end, almost hidden by the drooping green and silvery leaves of the olive trees, was the inn. It seemed warm and inviting. Soft light from the window danced off the rustling leaves.

Aching with exhaustion, Micah made his way past the gnarled trunks of the ancient trees to the heavy wooden door of the inn. He took a deep breath and was just about to knock when the door suddenly opened.

B efore he could say a word, the innkeepers wife hastily gave the message that she had repeated over and over that evening: I have nothing to offer. Then she paused to look at the frail and weary traveler. One glance told her everything she needed to know.

Her eyes filled with sad kindness, and she tenderly whispered, Oh, I wish I could do something more. She knew the tiny pouch he carried could not possibly contain anything to keep him warm through the cold night.

She put her hand on his shoulder and said, Ill be back in just a moment. Wait here by the door.

T he woman returned inside. She quickly looked through every cupboard and above each closet, but the guests had taken all of the bedding. Finally, she went into her own room.

She paused, considering her decision, and then took the wool blanket she had woven by hand from her bed before returning to the door.