The Childhood of Jesus
The Gospel of James
Biographical Gospel of the Lord
- Chapter 208 -
Joseph Puts A Curse On The Storm
TWO HOURS LATER, when everyone was already at rest, a very powerful gale came and thrust against the house so violently that the entire house shook.
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All the sleepers were awakened by this resounding blow.
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And since the gale continued to rage and was accompanied by a thousand lightnings and the most intense thunder,
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all those who were present in Joseph's house began to quake and to quiver thereat.
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To the fury and raging of the gale there was also added the howling of a multitude of wild, rending animals, which added to the fear of the guests in Joseph's house.
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Everyone now began to press into the chamber where Joseph, Cyrenius and Jonathan were, and sought protection there.
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Hereupon Joseph arose, made a light and consoled the fainthearted as well as he could,
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and the same was done by the gigantic Jonathan and by Cyrenius.
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But since the storm constantly became more violent, the consoling of the three did not have much effect; and what especially caused the greatest fear of death among most of those present was that a few tigers, amid most unearthly howls, began to thrust their paws inside through the barred-up windows.
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When the storm became too fierce even for Joseph, he became aroused and shouted at it,
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'Be silent, you monster, in the name of Him who dwells here, the Lord of infinity,
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and henceforth never disturb those who need rest during the night! So be it!'
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These words Joseph shouted with such force that all were more terrified thereat than at the raging gale.
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But the storm just would not cease, whereat Joseph became still more aroused and directed his threat at the storm with still greater force.
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But this also remained fruitless and the gale mocked Joseph.
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Here Joseph became angry at the disobedient gale and put a curse on it.
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At this moment the little Child awakened and said to James, who was present beside the little bed,
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'James, go in to Joseph and tell him to recall his curse; for he does not know what he curses!
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Tomorrow he will understand the reason for this storm and discover its good purpose; in a few minutes it will come to an end anyhow.'
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Thereupon James promptly went to Joseph and told him what the little Child had instructed him to say.
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Here Joseph took heart and did what James told him, and soon thereafter the storm subsided; the beasts dispersed, and everyone in Joseph's house went back to rest.