# The Christmas Novena – Ninth Day: The Census and Journey to Bethlehem
*2008-12-21*

> Bill Young reflects on the ninth day of the Christmas novena, focusing on the census decree and Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, and offers prayer.

## Opening Prayer

Good morning. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the 269th episode of Catholic Podcast Ministries, Prayer and Lunch. Today we continue the Christmas novena on day nine. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

## The Census and the Journey to Bethlehem

The ninth day, the 23rd of December, brings us to the census and the journey to Bethlehem. The Gospel according to Luke tells us:

“Now it happened that at the time Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the whole inhabited world. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to his own town to be registered.”

So Joseph set out from Nazareth, traveling through Judea to the town of Bethlehem of David, because he was of the house and lineage of David, in order to be registered with Mary, who was betrothed to him and with child.

## The Birth of the Savior

While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth. She bore a son, her firstborn, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

## Prayer of Adoration

O God, Savior of the world, Redeemer of all people, who became hidden in the flesh of Mary, keep the virginity of your Mother intact. We pray that we may come to life on earth, adore you in your two natures, and sing hymns to you forever. You who reign forever, amen.

## Our Father and Hail Mary

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death, amen.

## Closing Blessing

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen.

*The census that forced Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem reminds us that God can work through ordinary civil duties to bring about the greatest mystery of salvation.*