Second Sunday After Christmas - Mary Letter Day Thirty-One

                                Second Sunday After Christmas -Mary Letter Day Thirty-One

How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts!

My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord; 

my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.

The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow 

a nest where she may lay her young; 

by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts,

my King and my God. 

Happy are they who dwell in your house! 

they will always be praising you. 

Happy are the people whose strength is in you! 

whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way. 

Those who go through the desolate valley 

will find it a place of springs, 

for the early rains have covered it with pools of water. 

They will climb from height to height, 

and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion. 

Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; 

hearken, O God of Jacob. 

Behold our defender, O God;

and look upon the face of your Anointed. 

For one day in your courts is better than 

a thousand in my own room, 

and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God

than to dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 48:1-9

Dear Mama and Papa,

There is some good news! It looks as if we might be headed home soon. Joseph's paperwork filing seems to be completed, and he just has to get one more signature in the morning. Then, I will have a visit from the wise women who will examine me and hopefully declare I am ready to travel. I am feeling stronger and the bleeding has mostly stopped. This little boy gives me such joy. His little time fingers and hands are always reaching and grasping and his face lights up when he sees another person. He particularly loves Isaac and Rebecca's children. When they come in, his arms and legs start moving wildly and he reaches for them so sweetly. They love holding him and singing to him. His eyes sparkle all the time but especially when the children are with us.

Life in the city is pretty turbulent and unpredictable. The markets seem to be open every day and at all hours, including the Sabbath, which I don't understand. But the occupiers rule here, and they don't care for our ways at all. They don't seem to care about prayer and worship at all. Many of the soldiers seem to love games of chance and they often sit in groups outside, making wagers and talking loudly into the night. I am grateful we are far from the main thoroughfare, so we can sleep and keep quiet for the baby. I was worried that the animals around us might startle with all the noise. They seem content to sleep through it all once they are fed and bedded down for the night. Joseph and I, when the weather is fair, sit under the stars and say our prayers with Jesus resting in my arms. He has become a part of us both. I will let you know when our journey home begins! So excited to show you this little wonderful boy!

love,

Mary