My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel,
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever. Luke 1:46-55
Dear Elizabeth,
There is so much to tell you I am bursting at the seams. We got married yesterday!! Of course, it wasn't the way I dreamed it would be when I was small, but it was really perfect! Papa's cousin Elijah arrived late two nights ago, and we were married yesterday! The dress that Mama had made for me was gorgeous! I felt so beautiful despite my size and Joseph had on his best robe which only made him more handsome. Elijah's wife, Miriam and another cousin, Jeremiah had come along with Rabbi Elijah, so we had a full house and a great deal of merriment despite the otherwise circumstances. We even danced in the garden after the sun had set. When everyone was tired and ready to sleep, the family locked Joseph in the room with me, laughing and cheering. Joseph is so careful and private. He sat on the bed beside me, stroking my brow and told me stories until I fell asleep. I found him asleep on a mat beside the bed when I awoke. He's so afraid of hurting the baby or me!
The preparations for our trip to Bethlehem are now fiercely underway. I suspect we will leave in the next day or two. Elijah and Jeremiah have helped with the travel plans. They know some places we can stay safely on the road. We will have to travel at night since our village is mostly against us. The men are working on securing and donkey for our travel, so I don't have to walk the whole way. Despite me saying I am quite strong enough to walk, they overruled me! Mama took me aside and said the donkey would carry food and water for us as well, so neither of us was overburdened. That makes some sense. I still believe that they all think I weak and incapable. Harumph!
During the ceremony, while we were saying our vows, the baby started kicking up a storm, as if he was clapping and dancing for us. I truly do believe that the Lord is with us. This little one is a sign of the living holy presence. I only hope I can be faithful and honorable as we go forward. Pray for me, please!
Much love,
Mary
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