Eve of the Epiphany - Mary Letter Day Thirty-Two

O sing to the Lord a new song, 

 for he has done marvelous things. 

His right hand and his holy arm

 have gained him victory. 

The Lord has made known his victory;

he has revealed his vindication 

in the sight of the nations. 

He has remembered his steadfast love and 

faithfulness to the house of Israel. 

All the ends of the earth have seen

 the victory of our God. 

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; 

break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, 

with the lyre and the sound of melody. 

With trumpets and the sound of the horn 

make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord. 

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 

 the world and those who live in it.

Let the floods clap their hands;

 let the hills sing together for joy 

at the presence of the Lord, 

for he is coming to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. Psalm 98

Dear Elizabeth,

Things are getting out of control around here and I am frightened. I put on a good face with Joseph and our hosts, but I am worried about them coming for my little boy. He is so small and vulnerable and that nasty Herod is out to find him. We hear stories from the children every day. Joseph says we have no worries for they would never come looking for a Jewish baby among a well-known Gentile family. They have never told anyone that we are Jews, and the basically let people know that we are family. I still feel very exposed. The good news is that the wise women have said I am in good shape to travel home and the trip should be quicker this time, if we can get out of Bethlehem safely. I am always astounded how rulers like Herod, who have everything, wealth, power and absolute control, are afraid of the least among us and need to destroy any threat. We have to trust that our Lord will protect us, when we get ready to go.

For strengthening my spirit, I have been singing the Psalms you taught me to sing. I've always loved the Psalms of King David but only said them until I was with you. I sing while Joseph is here and when it's just the baby and me. Jesus loves for me to sing, and he kicks his legs, flaps his arms and smiles so wide. My heart just melts sometimes, and I find tears welling up in my eyes. I was not prepared for any of this and often feel a terribly inadequate mother, unable to do the best for my little boy. The, there are times when all's that is needed is a little food and a little song. Hopefully, those things will cover a multitude of my mistakes. We are packing now for home, which means soon you can see my baby boy, and I can see John! I cannot wait!

love,

Mary