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 9:2-7
Dear Auntie,
we are camped out here with Sarah. We left last night under cover of darkness, slowly making the two hour trek over some rough terrain. Little Hannah was so brave and unwilling for a long time to ride on the donkey. She finally got so tired that she nearly fell on her face, and so they put her on the animal with me. Joseph and Papa were concerned that folks would follow us and try to hurt us but it was an uneventful trip, despite the rough road and our slow caravan, we made it safely to my sister's home. It was very late and we had to rouse the house, although her husband Gabriel was trying to wait up and had fallen asleep on the porch.
Last night as we walked in silence in the night, I was reminded of the psalms we used to sing together. "the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light." The moon rose up over us and was a bright reminder of God's constant care for us. Despite the human reactions and rejections, our walk with the Divine continues. The beautiful moonlight surrounded us and little Hannah was illuminated in my arms. Her face shone as she slept so peacefully, resting on my swollen belly. I do believe these children understand best the presence and love of God within and without.
We had a nice little meal and then set up our beds on the roof in the moonlight. I fell asleep cradled in Joseph's arms. We were so tired we dropped off to sleep quickly as the moon rolled over us in the sky. Auntie, I awoke this morning knowing God is with us. We have so much to do today, planning our route and making arrangements as to where we will stay. We have sent word to Joseph's family in Bethlehem but so far we don't know whether they can house us during the registration time.
Love to all,
Mary
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