Christmas Day
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 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 2:1-20
Dearest Papa and Mama,
I am writing to tell you that despite our best efforts to get home, our little baby boy came into the world today! He is so strong and healthy, and the wise women said that I am as well. They probably say that to all the new mothers! I was not brave all the time, Mama, and did scream and cry at times. They said that was very normal and I shouldn't be afraid. But our little boy is beautiful and perfect with ten chubby toes and fingers. His face is so beautiful, I can't help staring at him! He also has a voracious appetite! They had to teach me to feed him, and Joseph blushed and turned away while they were teaching me. He's getting more comfortable with it and loves to hold the little one and sing to him so I can sleep. I am so blessed by his good heart and kind ways!
An extraordinary thing happened late last night. We were snuggled asleep under the covers as were all the animals here. We were scared when we heard banging on the stable door and Joseph told me to stay and hide. He went and answered the door. A family of shepherds came in bursting with stories to tell. One stayed outside with the sheep at first, but he too came running in with his story. They brought tea and cakes and asked to see the baby. Then they told us that angels appeared to them and told them that here in Bethlehem the messiah of the world was born. They were really scared at first and didn't want us to think they were drunk or crazy. The angel sang with such beauty, they couldn't help but come. They sat on the floor sharing the wondrous story as well as their food and tea. Some sang us a bit of the heavenly songs they heard and they all passed the baby around like the most precious gem. They thanked us for letting them see this miracle!
As we went back to bed after they left, Joseph and I talked about how God is always affirming and loving us, even in strange lands and strange times. I will write again soon. I cannot wait for you to see him!
Love always,
Mary
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