Third Sunday of Advent - Mary Letter Day Thirteen

Third Sunday of Advent -Mary Letter Day Thirteen

Surely, it is God who saves me;

I will trust in him and not be afraid. 

For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense,

and he will be my Savior. 

Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing

from the springs of salvation. 

And on that day you shall say,

Give thanks to the Lord 

and call upon his Name; 

Make his deeds known among the peoples;

see that they remember that his Name is exalted. 

Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, 

and this is known in all the world. 

Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy,

for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 12:2-6

Dear Auntie Elizabeth,

Things are getting pretty desperate around here. The community is rallying around some leaders who want to have me punished. Several angry men showed up at our door the other night and demanded to come in and arrest me. Papa barred them from coming in and he and Joseph went out to speak to them. Fortunately, they did not have any legal authority and did not have any Roman guards with them. These men don't approve of the occupying government, of course none of us do, and I think they are taking their anger out on us. The conversation with Papa and Joseph was loud and scared Mama and I terribly. We clung together praying that our Lord would see us through the challenge. When Papa and Joseph finally came back inside, their anger was visible on their faces, although they said nothing about it. They told us both to hurry up and prepare for our departure. 

Since that night, we have been cooking and sewing like mad, getting supplies ready for our journey. Because they fear for me especially, Papa and Joseph are pouring over maps to find a route that will circumvent trouble as much as possible. This will make the trip much longer. The plan is to stay away from main roads and the highways, so that we aren't easily targeted. Joseph and Papa are arranging places for us to stay each night as we travel to Bethlehem. I guess before I was pretty ignorant of what people might do, but now I can say I am truly terrified. Joseph promises to keep me safe, although I can read the worry and fear on Mama's face most clearly. She does her best to hide it, but it is always there.

I doubt I will get the chance to see you before the baby is born, although I was really hoping to see little John. I am so sorry and very disappointed. I keep reminding myself that I said yes to the Lord, and that our God will protect us. I remember your words when we were together, how you told me not to fear for God was in charge.  I try to take that to heart, being cheerful as we go about our tasks, reminding Mama that God is with us. We are human, Auntie, and sometimes the worries and fears get to us and we sit a cry together when the men aren't around. Please pray for us, as I want to be strong and fear I cannot be.

Love always,

Mary