Chritmas 1 - Mary letter 31

Prayer for the Restoration of God’s Favour

¹ Lord, you were favorable to your land;
   you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
² You forgave the iniquity of your people;
   you pardoned all their sin.
³ You withdrew all your wrath;
   you turned from your hot anger.

⁴ Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
   and put away your indignation towards us.
⁵ Will you be angry with us for ever?
   Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
⁶ Will you not revive us again,
   so that your people may rejoice in you?
⁷ Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
   and grant us your salvation.

⁸ Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
   for he will speak peace to his people,
   to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.^*
9 Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
   that his glory may dwell in our land.

¹⁰ Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
   righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
¹¹ Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
   and righteousness will look down from the sky.
¹² The Lord will give what is good,
   and our land will yield its increase.
¹³ Righteousness will go before him,
   and will make a path for his steps. Psalm 85

Dear Aunt Elizabeth,

We had a visit yesterday from some of Joseph's relatives that live nearby. They hadn't seen him since he was a small boy! It was a wonderful visit and I am worn out from my time with them. They had many stories to tell, and frightened us a bit by telling us that the Roman governor was hearing word of a Jewish king that was born here in Bethlehem. Our relatives comforted us by saying that they would never look for us in a place like this! They had heard of our location because of knowing the inn keeper here. And it's true, these are humble dwellings for a king! Our little one doesn't seem to notice one way or another.

We have been talking about going home soon. The wise women don't want me to move too soon, but we are sure ready to be working our way home. We may have to find a long way round just for safety's sake, after hearing of the ruler's concern, but I for one am looking to be back home with Mama. I wish she had taught me more about caring for a baby! Or maybe she did and I wasn't listening! Hope you are well and keeping up your prayers for us. I feel as if I have so much to learn these days.

much love,

Mary