Mary Letter - Day 7 - Comfort

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid,that she has received from the LORD's handdouble for all her sins.A voice cries out:

"In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be lifted up,and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

A voice says, "Cry out!"

And I said, "What shall I cry?" All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field.

The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.

Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, "Here is your God! See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms,

and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. Isaiah 40:1-11

 

Dear Aunt Elizabeth,

 

today was a horrible day. I am finally able to write to you late at night by candle light since Papa and Mamma have finally gone to bed. Today it became very clear that I will have to leave here for our safety. Joseph came early in the morning to make plans with Papa. I tried to go outside and sit in the sun but they would not allow me out of the house. I cannot go out again until we begin our journey. And that will be in the middle of the night so no one finds out. 

 

As Joseph and Papa were talking, Momma and I made some bread and soup. It was a hard conversation to hear, but I accept that we have no other choice. All of the sudden a rock came flying through our window. Several others followed. We ducked and hid under the table but not fast enough.  One struck Momma on the head. She bled some but it stopped quickly and she said she was going to be fine. Papa's face told another story. He has aged so much since I started to show. It cannot go on like this. We know this. I wish I had you here to throw your arms around me. Momma tried but she starts to cry for fear. I do understand. It is too much for them.

We  will be going in the next few days. I don't know exactly but it will surely be under cover of darkness. I will write when I can and send word when the baby comes. Please play for Momma and Papa especially. They carry such a heavy load.

Much love,

Mary

 

 

 

 Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.