mamabishop: First Sunday After Christmas - Mary Letter Day Twenty Five

Sunday, December 31, 2023

First Sunday After Christmas - Mary Letter Day Twenty Five

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 Mama,

We are safe here in Bethlehem, despite the recent horrific events. I still cannot get the sound of parents' screams and the waling from my head! They shake me to my core. We are carful and pretty much in hiding still, particularly during the day. If we need any food or supplies, Joseph picks them up for us. He is still waiting for final papers but has been so diligent! He comes back every day disappointed but will not give up or be deterred. He is very protective of us both but is never harsh or unkind. We have fun just playing with the baby and talking together. He regals me with funny stories from him life. I'm not sure they are all true but I enjoy hearing them and laughing together.

We do sit out a night in the cool air, but we are careful to sit in an area away from the road and hidden from view. Despite the fact that we are in the city, the night sky is lit up with stars and the brightest save ever seen! We sit out and rock the baby, gazing up and whispering about out future back home. We are both so excited to show you and Papa this beautiful little boy. He is so handsome! I know all mothers say that about their babies, but, you will agree with me when you see him. We are so anxious to be back home! Joseph has been gathering supplies for out journey home with the help of the innkeepers and some new friends we have met here. Please pray that the papers will be ready and we can start out home. I ache to see you and Papa again!

Love,

Mary

A Sunday Litany New Year's Eve 2023

Wondrous Creator, you made our world round

so we might see that all thing turn and change

you gave us seasons of much light and darkness

so we can understand plenty and want everywhere.