A Dramatic Monologue

I remember Bethlehem. How could I possibly forget?

My beloved Joseph and I made the 90-mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in five days and nights. I argued with him that I should stay in Nazareth. It was too close to my delivery. He said he could not leave me there. It was too dangerous. He was right, of course. I could have been stoned to death for adultery. I saw the sly glances, the sneers on many faces. Some even accusing me of being unfaithful to Joseph.

How could I explain to them this strange, bewildering event? This miraculous birth? Would they believe me if I told them the angel Gabriel appeared to me that night - long ago - in my home in Nazareth? I can scarcely believe it myself. But, I can still hear the angel's voice: "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is…