Emmanuel God with Us - Mary Letter Day 24 - Christmas Eve 2021

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25

Dear Mama,

This will be a very brief letter. Despite all our plans and efforts, it seems as if the child is ready to be born. My pains began early this morning and Joseph didn't know what to do. They aren't too heavy and are still far enough apart I can write. The wise woman have been here and verified that he is ready to be born. They have gone out for a moment to collect their supplies. I don't really know what that means! Oh, Mama, why can't you be her with me! Why does everything have to be so challenging with us so far from home?

Our hosts have been so kind and now they are all excited about the baby to come. They tried to make some folks vacate a room for us but they wouldn't budge! I don't blame them. If we had somewhere other than a stable we would hold on for dear life. Joseph doesn't have an appointment yet with the census folks but refuses to leave me alone. The women tried to shoo him out but he said that he had orders from God! No one argued with him, although I think they thought he was crazy. We do seem crazy, Mama, giving birth to the promised Emmanuel, God with Us, in a stable surrounded by smelly sheep and cows, along with noisy chickens and other birds. There will certainly always be milk and eggs!

Mama, I'm scared. I have prayed as much as I can. I will try to be strong. I love you both so much and wish you were here.

Mary