Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The LORD called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the LORD, and my reward with my God.” And now the LORD says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and my God has become my strength — he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, “Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” Isaiah 49:1-7
Dear Mama,
This is a letter I dread and one that I write with all haste. As soon as the sun sets we will be leaving, not for home, but for Egypt. I am so sorry and I can barely contain my tears so I can write. I want you to know how much I love you and Papa. We will do everything we can to return home to you. But for now, we have to flee this land.
We had some idea that there might be people seeking out the baby's life. Last evening we had visitors. They were extraordinary Mama. Royal visitors from the far east who read the stars and sought out our child. They had traveled many miles to see this little boy. Oh, Mama, they were so incredibly generous and have given us precious items that will keep us going for many years. They are also something like astrologers, able to understand portents in the sky. They told us the governor, who they visited, was very jealous of this child and wanted him brought in. He means to do him harm. They gave us these gifts and gave us directions to a safehouse in Egypt, where they are certain we can be safe for a time.
It was such an overwhelming visit. They shared their foods with us - everything was so exotic! They came with camels and many servants! We felt like royalty, us here in this stable!
We are off in just a short time, Mama. A cousin of Joseph's will bring this to you, along with several small gifts from us. I know this is no substitute for our return. Oh, Mama, pray for us, please. We will be refugees in a foreign land and I am so frightened. Tell Papa we will be careful and come home when it is safe. I love you so!
Mary
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