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Holy Journey Made By Decre "And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed . .." So begins the Bible story of the birth of Christ In Saint Luke's Gospel. "All the world," of course, meant the Roman Empire of the time, and the "taxation" referred to was basically an "enrollment," according to biblical scholars, a census, leading ultimately to a land tax; so it- was decreed that "All went to be taxed, every one into his own city." And so, Saint Luke goes on to tell us, "Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the iy of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." The Bible gives us little more than those bare facts about the journey which ended at a manger outside Beth- lehem, It has remained for biblical scholars and archae- ologists to try to fill in the details as best they can from facts known or guessed about the Palestine of that time and from other indirect evidence in the Bible itself, Although Joseph was a Judaean by ancestry, he lived and plied his trade as carpenter some 70 miles to the north in Nazareth in Galilee, where Jesus spent his early years, - thus becoming identified as Jesus of Nazareth. There was a good road leading southward from Nazareth to Jerusalem and Bethlehem, for this was no "backwoods" area but one traversed by merchants and their caravans as well as functionaries of the Roman Empire, all following in the footsteps of invaders and travellers of many years. A journey of some 70 miles over mostly hilly country without a car might give many of us pause today, par- ticularly in view of Mary's condition. According to tradi- tion, Mary rode a good part of the way on an ass, a common beast of burden and one certainly more appropriate to the task than either camel or horse, even had these been available to Joseph. A journey of that "distance, with Joseph walking and leading the ass, would be bound to consume several days, so it is likely that the travellers made provision for spend- ing some nights along the way and, also, carried sufficient food and water in case supplies were not always available. Although Nazareth was a fair-sized town, it was reported to have had only one good source of water, known today as Mary's Well, from which it would have been prudent to obtain a "canteen" before setting out on a journey. Wells and springs were to be found infrequently in the hills, particularly toward the end of the dry season, which his- torians believe was the most likely period for the trip of Mary and Joseph. As to food, there would have been no problem in procuring rations of, bread, olives, and other provisions for the journey from an area as rich in agri- culture as Galilee. Arrival at their destination in Bethlehem did not bring an end to "roughing it" for the travellers, for there were so many who had preceded them that "there was no room for them at the inn." Therefore, this predicament lead Mary and Joseph to the manger, a cattle shelter outside Bethlehem which symbolizes the birth of Jesus. Liven up gift living JOURNEY oF THE Mac -- This symbolic tempera on wood by 15th century artist The Christmas spirit is alive ...so give life! Beau- tiful, living plants are as individualistic as the peo- ple you give them to. Knowing your friends' tastes and housing situa- tions can help you select the right plants to give. For example, someone who lives in a house or apart- ment with a southern ex- posure could keep a plant that requires a lot of sun- light, like a geranium or African violet, or almost ° any flowering plant. A person who leads a busy life and travels often might enjoy a beautiful cactus plant which lives easily with a minimum of care. Ardent plant lovers will certainly enjoy a terrari- um. These are glass-en- closed miniature gardens, which house a variety of plants such as evergreens, ferns, moss, and even mushrooms. The choice is endless. Another popular idea is a hanging planter, which looks especially attractive by windows and doorways. That Christmas favorite, the poinsettia, can be an everlasting gift also, par- ticularly for those who live in-a house. Trans- planted into 'the garden, it will be a constant re- minder of your thought- fulness. ' Plants are alive, and as Christmas gifts, are lasting, inexpensive and thoughtful. ' 'Merry Christmas Filling the air with peace and joy... the Yuletide spirit. We add our warm wishes. Mcintyre Upholstry PORT PERRY Wise Men Follow Guiding Star to Jesus Sassetta of Siena, Italy, in part, depicts the rugged roads and methods of trans- portation during Biblical times. Here the Wise Men (on horseback) apparently are following the guiding star, lower right, 10 the Infant Jesus. From the Metropolitan _ Museum of Art, bequest of Maitland F. Griggs, 1943. PORT PERRY STAR e CHRISTMAS EDITION 1974 -- 13 aks jolly Santa wends bis way, bringing wonderful gifts for you, we'd like to add our appreciation. Happy holidays. KEN P. MURRAY ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR May the serenity of Christmas find and keep you content. May every day of this joyful season be filled with joy . . . abundant in peace . . . rich in brotherhood. To all the cherished patrons we serve . . . our warmest gratitude. FLAMINGO PASTRIES LTD. RR a ne a -- PL ERR