We’ve been listening to a lot of Christmas music these past few weeks, and every night we gather to tell part of the Christmas story. My children are becoming very familiar with the different scenes: Joseph’s dream, the Annunciation (Mary and Gabriel), Jesus’ birth, the shepherds, the magi, etc. It’s very fun to hear them discussing such things among themselves as we drive around town or have dinner at the table.

With such discussion come many questions: “How far did the wise men have to go?” “Did Mary ride a donkey to Bethlehem?” “Why was Zachariah so scared?” “What’s myrrh? what’s frankincense?” (no questions about gold, you notice)…

The question I’ve been fearing has yet to arise: “Why would Joseph want to divorce Mary?” I’m just not feeling up to explaining pre-marital pregnancy and the social consequences of such to an 8 year old. Call me coward. I’m just grateful he hasn’t connected those dots yet.

It was my 4-year-old who blindsided me last week after a Christmas song ended. From the back seat of the van I hear, “Mommy, what’s a virgin?”

Yes, laugh. If it hasn’t already happened to you, it will. I’d love to hear from you–how would YOU respond? What do you think I answered?