Mary Letter Day Twenty-Seven

The Lord is my shepherd; 

I shall not be in want. 

He makes me lie down 

in green pastures 

and leads me beside still waters.

He revives my soul 

and guides me along right pathways

for his Name's sake. 

Though I walk through the 

valley of the shadow of death, 

I shall fear no evil; 

for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff, 

they comfort me. 

You spread a table before me 

in the presence of those who trouble me; 

you have anointed my head with oil,

and my cup is running over. 

Surely your goodness and mercy

shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

Dear Auntie,

I have written to Mama and Papa several times but cannot share with them the reality of life here in Bethlehem. We lived in a occupied country and it is most evident in this bustling city. We are from rural places that the Roman governor doesn't care about. Here, near the center of trade and population, Roman soldiers are everywhere, watching and threatening us as we go about our daily chores. They show contempt for us, since we look different and worship the one true God while they worship countless idols. We have to be careful as they have the power, so we keep our heads down and stay close to our dwellings. It is so oppressive, and I have seen many people asked for their papers on the streets near the markets where everyone gathers.

I have also been very worried that word has gone out that they are looking for a king born in Bethlehem and I worry that they are looking for my little boy. We can't' get out of here fast enough, yet Joseph still has paperwork to submit and get signed off on. On top of that, the wise women think I need to wait several more weeks before traveling since I am still bleeding a bit. I feel a bit like a captive, but the blessing here is the host family is always entertaining us and making us feel at home. The children make me laugh and bring us goodies all the time. I have been praying when I am alone and reciting the psalms I learned as a child. They comfort me and remind me that our Lord is close at hand, and this little boy is such a tangible sign of divine love. He is so alert and smiles at the children. He even laughed this morning when Diana, one of the children was playing with him. The Lord is near!

love,

Mary