But
there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former
time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of
Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the
sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:1-7
You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:1-7
Dear Aunt Elizabeth,
We are making progress on our journey but it is very slow. The route we are taking is complicated and the terrain is rough. The road along the Jordan River would be much easier. We have been warned not to go that way because it is very crowded, and the people looking for us would look there. We are also traveling some at night, both to avoid the heat of the day and not to be seen. Last night as we set out I was very worried. It was hard to see and the poor donkey was bouncing me all over the place. Then the sky seemed to explode with stars, and it was if God was sending light from the heavens. My little child kicked and wiggled inside of me, as if to celebrate the gift of light. Auntie, I am learning to be grateful for small things. It's as if the baby is showing me the way. Maybe I am just growing up.
We didn't get very far last night but are sheltered here by friends of Miriam. They are all shepherds, living rough, but they have tents for their families and made room for us. Joseph was given very specific instructions on who to seek out when we needed to rest. They have been very kind to share their small spaces with us. I fell asleep last night, nestled in my husband's arms and looking up at the brilliant night sky. How wondrous and mysterious are the works of God!
love
Mary
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