1 O Lord our Governor,
how exalted is your Name in all the world!
2 Out of the mouths of infants and children
your majesty is praised above the heavens.
3 You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries,
to quell the enemy and the avenger.
4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
5 What is man that you should be mindful of him?
the son of man that you should seek him out?
6 You have made him but little lower than the angels;
you adorn him with glory and honor;
7 You give him mastery over the works of your hands;
you put all things under his feet:
8 All sheep and oxen, even the wild beasts of the field,
9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea,
and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
10 O Lord our Governor,
how exalted is your Name in all the world! Psalm 8
Dear Papa and Mama,
I so wanted to write you yesterday, but things got very complicated. We got up early and dressed the little boy as it was time to present him in the temple. We have had to be very careful. The occupying governor has gotten wind of an important child being born. Soldiers are on the lookout all the time, so we never venture out. Joseph does the shopping and keeps careful watch over us. Anyway, we went very early in the morning, before first light, so we might be first in line. And we were! We explained to the Rabbi our concerns, so he took us to a private portico in the vast temple and performed the ritual. Our sweet little one hardly cried, but I couldn't watch it all. Actually, I was told that women aren't normally present, but since we came so early, and were in great fear, the kind Rabbi let me stay in the portico with Joseph and the baby. What a moment it turned out to be!
Right after the final blessings were sung, two elderly people, a man and a woman came to us and were jubilant about seeing the child. These complete strangers wanted to hold the boy, and we let them, praying he would be safe with them. Oh, he was more than safe. They told us they spent their lives in the temple waiting years to see our child. They were so overjoyed they showered him with gifts and song! They prayed over him and over us as well. Then they thanked us over and over again. The Rabbi told us they had been here for years waiting for this day. It was an extraordinary moment!
When we arrived back in our stable lodgings, our landlady Rachel came rushing in and told us they were still looking for the child. Soldiers had banged on her door, and she assured them no baby was here. We spent the rest of the day in hiding, up in the loft, behind stacked bales of hay. Rachel brought us some supper and later came and told us that the soldiers were no longer lingering nearby. I know having a baby is hard work, and raising a child is likewise. I didn't expect we would have such challenges! Looking forward to being back home soon. Joseph thinks all the paperwork will be done in a few days.
Love,
Mary
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