Pondering - Mary Letter Day 25

In that region there

 were shepherds living 

in the fields, keeping 
watch over their flock 
by night. Then an angel 
of the Lord  stood 
before them, and the

 glory of the Lord shone

 around them, and they

 were terrified. But the 
angel  said to them, 
"Do not be  afraid;
 for see-- I am bringing

 you good news of great 
joy for all the people: 
to you is  born this
 day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 

This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands 

of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the

 angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds

 said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing

 that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they

 went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in

 the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been 

told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what

 the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and 

pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and

praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2:8-20

Dear Elizabeth,

this whole experience is more wonderful and overwhelming than

I could have imagined! The birth, which almost split my body

in two, was immediately overtaken by love so amazing and such

a feeling of deepest gratitude. And, on top of all that we have had
such an assortment of visitors! Such unexpected moments that I
barely know where to begin.

Late last night, when we were bedded down for sleep, our host
came reluctantly around to the stable where we have taken up
residence for the time being. He told us that there were visitors
for us and he would get rid of them for us if we wanted that. As
soon as the words were spoken, several young shepherd boys
came rushing in, followed by some older men holding new lambs.
They told us a remarkable story! While they were around the
fire tonight, the sky lit up with light. They were terrified that the
world was ending! They were overwhelmed by light and noise.
Several passed out in fear. Then they heard a voice telling them
to come and see our baby. They said they saw a huge flock of
angels, like nothing ever witnessed. The angels told them not
to be afraid but to get moving for God had done a new and
wonderful thing. They crowded around our new born boy,
and then they broke into song! They brought us food and
we sat up with them all night! Can you believe it?

Well, my little one is sleeping, so I better try to get some
sleep as well. I know my joy and excitement will soon be over-
taken by exhaustion!

love to all,

Mary