Thursday, December 13, 2018

Preparing - Mary Letter Day 12



Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” They asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” “Listen,” he said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”‘ He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. Luke 22:1-13 

Dear Aunt Elizabeth,

The serious preparations are underway and I am often seen as being underfoot. For fear of hurting the child, they won't let me help in any way. I do understand they love me and are all trying to care for me. I'm going crazy watching and not helping. The little one inside seems to feel the same. He's jumping and kicking so much that I think he'd rather be helping than being cooped up within. I sneak out to the back patio and sit under the trees as often as possible. Poppa cautions me all the time. He's afraid if someone sees me they will try to hurt me! People are so cruel sometimes. 

We will start out very soon it seems. Family friends, the few who are still loyal, stop by at night with small gifts and money. They are sympathetic to our situation, but they also are afraid. We are all afraid, aren't we Auntie? Yet God has made a promise and I will try to do my very best to do my part. I know I am young and really unprepared for what is ahead, but I am also sure that sacrificing my shallow dreams will bring an unbelievable gift to the world. I still cannot believe that this is happening to me! People may run to anger and fear, but I am trying hard to be faithful and strong. We are never alone, are we, if we are following the Holy One.

Joseph often joins me when I sit outside at night. He has taken up residence with us this last week or so. It really has helped us get to know each other. He is so gentle and quick to laugh at my silly jokes. We do not share a bed under my parent's roof, for now, as they want to protect me and the baby. He does hold me in his arms at night and sings to me the ancient psalms, which are a great comfort. 

Pray for us please. The journey ahead scares me. My first trip away from home ever and I am so awkward and hugely round! Maybe they should just roll me all the way to the registry!

love

Mary




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