When the Holy Family traveled to Bethlehem, we often think that there was no room in the “inn” or hotel. In fact, Bethlehem was a place where St. Joseph had relatives and friends, but no one would accept him and his pregnant wife, so they turned them away. It was a true rejection by those who personally knew him. For that reason, Jesus was born in a stable filled with animals.
How often do we also discount people because we judge them and thus withhold the love of God from them? But even in rejection, pain and difficulty, St. Joseph, through his faith, cared for the Holy Family, took care of them, and kept them safe.