Last Mary Letter - Feast of the Epiphany

The Feast of the Epiphany

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. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. Matthew 2:1-12

Dear Momma and Papa,

We have had an extraordinary day and evening! I have so much to tell you, yet some of it is very hard. First and foremost, I have to tell you about the extraordinary visitors that came to see us. A young boy came rushing in early in the afternoon. He was dressed in fine linens and had a unique coloring and speech. He told us, in very halting words, that we were to have royalty visiting soon. He said we should prepare ourselves. We laughed a bit at his loud, slow words, but then realized that he didn't speak our language and had memorized the speech. We conveyed to him that we understood and gave his some food and drink. He then waited outside like a small sentry, straight backed and silent.

 As the sun was setting, an entourage could be heard from quite  distance. Horses first and then camels. The door of the stable was pulled open and the strangest and most marvelous looking men approached us. We were speechless! They wore robes of satin and furs, with beadwork that dazzled in the lamp light. They spoke to us in our language with heavy accents, asking if they could see the child. Of course, we said, They then went to the cradle and knelt before him, praying in their language for a very long time. They gave us spectacular gifts, although we said we were fine, they insisted. Oh, these are so costly and rare gifts, we hardly knew what to say. Then they brought in musicians and servants we food and we feasted for hours.

Late in the night, they told us that we were in danger. Oh, this is the hard part. They told us we would have to travel far from home to protect this child. Joseph started to weep when he heard it. I thought at first he didn't want to go. Instead, he told us all that he had a dream, warning him not to return home and to travel into Egypt. The wise visitors gave us a young guide, a clear map and folks to contact. They said we would be safe if we followed their lead. They too are returning home the long way round.

Oh dear, Momma and Papa, I fear I will not see you for a long time. I am terrified of going into Egypt, of leaving what I have come to know. I am missing you so very much. We promised God we would care for this child and we must. Yet sometimes, God's tasks are hard. We are stepping out into the unknown and all I want to do is come home. Please pray for me and do not fear if you don't hear from us for awhile. The guide will go with us and return to you with word of our safety. For now we will hold each other close in prayer and walk by the God's light. I ache for the stars above our home, but know someday I will see them again.

love always,

Mary with Joseph and Jesus

Collect

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.