First Sunday after Christmas December 29th, 2019
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known. John 1:1-18
Dear Momma and Papa,
I got word through Aunt Elizabeth that you were trying to find a way to come see us and meet the baby. I would love for that to happen! The accommodations here are very primitive, though, and I am afraid that you would both be uncomfortable, even miserable. It is too far to come and the city is crowded, noisy and dangerous. As soon as Joseph can conclude his business, we will head on home. I cannot wait to be home again and to see your smiling faces! I know you have both worried so much, but everything is good! We are well taken care of, safe and well fed. Please don't worry!
This little boy is so wonderful and good. He eats well and sleeps even better. His eyes are bright and he coos and make the most delightful sounds. He looks right into my eyes and my heart melts! We have been told to be very careful since the King seems to on the rampage. Joseph gets the shopping done and Leah, the innkeeper's wife helps me with the laundry and cooking. She and her husband are so generous! They have no grandchildren of their own, so they are intent on spoiling Jesus and us as well!
We are warm, dry and well fed. The challenge here is how slow the wheels of government turn. Every time Joseph goes to the government office, with all the right paper work, they send him back with more to fill out. When he comes, back he is very discouraged. He has to wait days for his next appointment. The good news, if there is any, is that everyone from out of town is in the same boat. We try to make the best of it, praying all the time. Pray that we can get through this and get home quickly. I miss you so!
love you both and miss you so,
Mary
Collect
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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