In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'” Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:1-12
Dear Auntie,
this traveling has really been an adventure, an unexpected challenge and blessing. I was getting very cross with Joseph, as I wanted to stop as I was in a good deal of pain and discomfort, and he wanted to push on. Just as I was about to cry we encountered some shepherdesses and children gathering up wandering sheep. The older women took one look at me and gathered us in as lost sheep as well. We stayed in their camp last night. They told us stories and had us laughing with them. They fed us leek stew and bread as well as dried fruits.
When we arose the older women asked if they could examine me. The loving and generous people have to know everything about their bodies since they often live rough for months at a time and babies come when they are ready, no matter where they are. I got a full going over and they told me that it would be any day now! They were teasing me this morning that I looked like my fruit was ripe!
Truthfully I am both scared and excited. Joseph is petrified that he will have to deliver this child on his own. The women gave him instructions, just in case. You should have seen the look on his face! I am sure that we will be all right, no matter when or where this child emerges, but I do hope we can make it to family before it does happen! Poor Joseph might just faint and then where would I be? As always, I beg your continued prayers.
Much love,
Mary
Dear Auntie,
this traveling has really been an adventure, an unexpected challenge and blessing. I was getting very cross with Joseph, as I wanted to stop as I was in a good deal of pain and discomfort, and he wanted to push on. Just as I was about to cry we encountered some shepherdesses and children gathering up wandering sheep. The older women took one look at me and gathered us in as lost sheep as well. We stayed in their camp last night. They told us stories and had us laughing with them. They fed us leek stew and bread as well as dried fruits.
When we arose the older women asked if they could examine me. The loving and generous people have to know everything about their bodies since they often live rough for months at a time and babies come when they are ready, no matter where they are. I got a full going over and they told me that it would be any day now! They were teasing me this morning that I looked like my fruit was ripe!
Truthfully I am both scared and excited. Joseph is petrified that he will have to deliver this child on his own. The women gave him instructions, just in case. You should have seen the look on his face! I am sure that we will be all right, no matter when or where this child emerges, but I do hope we can make it to family before it does happen! Poor Joseph might just faint and then where would I be? As always, I beg your continued prayers.
Much love,
Mary
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