Ephiphany - Mary letter 33

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:1-12 

Dear Auntie,

We had the most extraordinary night! I still cannot believe it!  Although we have had more visitors than I would have ever imagined, these were unreal! Long after midnight a young man came into our rooms, as they are. He was dressed as from a foreign country and his speech was not local but his voice was beautiful. He asked if we would pardon the interruption but he was the herald for some important visitors. We could not refuse, we were so fascinated and in awe. In came three elders, adorned in silk and the finest wool, festooned with jewel encrusted turbans, their long robes being held aloft by young boys. They seemed to have traveled with a whole army of servants. They invited us outside to their tents. When we went outside,we saw that they had erected a huge and magnificent tent with bright colors and thick carpeting on the floors. They beckoned in to follow them and sat us down on magnificent soft sofas. Then, to our initial alarm, they knelt and raised voiced in prayers and thanksgiving for the boy. He smiled at them through sleepy eyes and they gave him incredible gifts. A small fortune!

They are resting now and I have just put the baby down for a rest. Here, in this humble place, these amazing men found us and brought us priceless gifts! I am overjoyed but Joseph seems very worried. Neither of us slept much after all that! Joseph plans to sit with them today and discuss their travels and their encounter with King Herod! Can you believe it? They are the kind that kings and princes give audience to and they are here, camped around us! The landlord was beside himself at first, but they offered him gifts of rare fruits and delicacies and he too is now thrilled. I still cannot believe all that has happened.

much love,


Mary