Mary Letter Day Twenty-Two - Christmas Eve

Mary Letter Day Twenty-Two - Christmas Eve

For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever; 

you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens. 

"I have made a covenant with my chosen one; 

I have sworn an oath to David my servant: 

'I will establish your line for ever, 

and preserve your throne for all generations.'" 

The heavens bear witness to your wonders, O Lord, 

and to your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones; 

For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? 

who is like the Lord among the gods? 

God is much to be feared in the council of the holy ones, 

great and terrible to all those round about him. 

Who is like you, Lord God of hosts? 

O mighty Lord, your faithfulness is all around you. 

You rule the raging of the sea 

and still the surging of its waves. 

You have crushed Rahab of the deep with a deadly wound; 

you have scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. 

Yours are the heavens; the earth also is yours; 

you laid the foundations of the world and all that is in it. Psalm 89:2-11

Dear Auntie Elizabeth,

This letter will need be short for the circumstances are troubling. Joseph has gone with all his paperwork in hand, hoping that he can be registered and we can get home. The last few days he has gone, faithfully waited in line all day, only to be turned away. He returns sullen and worried about me. I have been kept company but our hostess, her children. Rebecca and her husband Isaac are considered Gentiles and outcast. They happen to be the kindest, most generous people I know! Isn't it amazing how the most religious folks can be the least generous and lack all compassion? Any way, they have taken good care of me and I haven't been alone these past few days.

The situation is troubling, for I believe the labor has begun! After Joseph left, I was reading after a visit from Rebecca, when my water broke and the pains began. They are slight right now but I am so scared! I didn't want this to happen here! In my fear and pain, I cried out for my Mama but she is not here, of course. Instead, Rebecca came running and told her daughter to go get the wise women and her son to go find Joseph. She is now here with water and supplies, comforting me and coaching me through everything. I am so scared, Auntie, and feel so far from home. Yet there is nothing I can do but go through this! Please, Auntie, pray for me with all the goodness and love you have. I've already cried and screamed, yet I want to be strong. Oh, Lord God, help me!

love,

Mary