Mary Letter Day 25 Christmas Day

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:1-20

Dear Momma and Papa,

He's here! Little baby boy Jesus was born late last night, really early this morning actually. He is perfect, healthy, beautiful and very hungry. He has a full head of dark hair and such bright eyes. I am so overwhelmed, so very happy and so exhausted that I cannot sleep.

The pains had started early yesterday and the innkeeper sent Joseph to get the midwife and her helpers. I told them it was just an upset stomach, but the innkeeper's wife laughed and said not to worry! I was terrified, especially when the pains cam very regularly and so intense. Some took my breath away. Fortunately, the midwife, Sarah, was amazing. She held my hand and helped me to breathe. The other women shooed the men away and kept wiping my brow and rubbing my back and shoulders. It was a very long day, and into the deep part of the night. Just when I couldn't take it any longer Sarah told me to start pushing and the women held me up. In just a few short minutes - there he was! All of the pain was gone and my heart is overflowing.

Everyone gathered around, after we were both cleaned up, and gave thanks to God for a safe delivery. They left us with so much food and wine! We were so tired we all fell into a deep sleep. That didn't last. We were awakened by a young shepherd boy asking to see us. He had a remarkable story. Out in the fields,  angels had told them of the birth! The had come rushing into town. All of the sudden, there were shepherds and sheep crowded into this tiny stable! They brought us figs, dates and cheese, and we sat around again with these overjoyed and happy strangers. We finally got back to bed as the sun was rising and slept until the baby got hungry. It seems as if sleep will be in short supply. I pray that as with everything else, God will provide. 

Momma, I cannot wait to bring him home to you! And Papa, you would be so proud of Joseph! Despite all of the challenges, he has remained calm and strong - even when I've fallen apart. I am so grateful for all the people God has brought to us. And today, I am especially grateful for both of you.

Sending love and missing you both so much,

Mary

Collect 

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.