Second Sunday of Christmas - Eve of the Epiphany - Mary Letter Day Twenty-Nine

Mary Letter Day Twenty-Nine

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

Dearest Elizabeth,

A most extraordinary experience happened late tonight. I hardly know what to think. We had heard rumors that Herod was looking for the baby again, but we did not know why. We had tucked the baby into bed and were packing our things for starting the trip home tomorrow, when there was an enormous knock on the stable door. Standing with a beaming Rachel and Aaron, our hosts, were three exotic fellows along with a huge entourage. They all wore robes that sparkle with silk and jewels and had so many servants with them. They came in so reverently and bowing to up and telling us what a joy and privilege it was to finally find this child. They smelled of exotic perfumes and were so elegant we were initially embarrassed by our surroundings. One of these kings, or wise men or whatever they were, told us that they had traveled day and night following a star to find this blessed child. They then gave him incredible gifts, a small fortune! We sat and ate another glorious meal with them which their servants laid out for us. When they left, we could hardly sleep with excitement and disbelief!

We are planning to start back home tomorrow. We are blessed with so many gifts and presents that I fear the donkey may not be able to carry it all. Good news is that I am very strong now and can walk quickly like before. Can't wait to get home and hope to see you soon!

Love,

Mary

Mary Letter Day Twenty-Eight

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, 

for he has done marvelous things. 

2 With his right hand and his holy arm

has he won for himself the victory.

3 The Lord has made known his victory;

his righteousness has he openly shown

in the sight of the nations. 

4 He remembers his mercy and 

faithfulness to the house of Israel,

and all the ends of the earth 

have seen the victory of our God. 

5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands;

lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, 

with the harp and the voice of song. 

7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn 

shout with joy before the King, the Lord. 

8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it,

 the lands and those who dwell therein.

9 Let the rivers clap their hands, 

and let the hills ring out 

with joy before the Lord, 

when he comes to judge the earth. 

10 In righteousness shall he judge the world

and the peoples with equity. Psalm 98

Dear Mama and Papa,

There is some good news today. We truly believe that Joseph's dealings with the occupying offices will be done today! I guess all governments make this work complicated. It seems for no reason, but the Romans are particularly good at extracting every ounce of patience and good nature from us. The city is less crowded but still too noisy and smelly for me! I am so looking forward to heading home and showing off this little bundle of joy. He gets bigger are more aware every day. Some moments it seems as if he is singing, his cooing and noises are sweet and lyrical. Oh, how happy we will all be when we are together once again.

The illness is now well behind me and I feel strong and ready to travel. Rachel, our landlady has been watching our boy so I can walk a bit to regain my strength and get muscles back. For the challenges we have faced, we have always been blessed with people who are angel-like in their willingness to help us. I don't know how to repay Rachel and all the others who have come to our aid. My heart is full of gratitude, although I wish I had more than that to give them. Our supplies and money is nearly gone, but we have been careful and there is enough to get us home. Please pray for our safe travel.

All my love,

Mary

Feast of the Holy Name (delayed) - Mary Letter Day Twenty-Seven

1 O Lord our Governor,

how exalted is your Name in all the world!

2 Out of the mouths of infants and children

your majesty is praised above the heavens.

3 You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries,

to quell the enemy and the avenger.

4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars you have set in their courses, 

5 What is man that you should be mindful of him? 

the son of man that you should seek him out? 

6 You have made him but little lower than the angels; 

you adorn him with glory and honor; 

7 You give him mastery over the works of your hands; 

you put all things under his feet: 

8 All sheep and oxen, even the wild beasts of the field,

9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, 

and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea. 

10 O Lord our Governor,  

how exalted is your Name in all the world! Psalm 8

Dear Papa and Mama,

I so wanted to write you yesterday, but things got very complicated. We got up early and dressed the little boy as it was time to present him in the temple. We have had to be very careful. The occupying governor has gotten wind of an important child being born. Soldiers are on the lookout all the time, so we never venture out. Joseph does the shopping and keeps careful watch over us. Anyway, we went very early in the morning, before first light, so we might be first in line. And we were! We explained to the Rabbi our concerns, so he took us to a private portico in the vast temple and performed the ritual. Our sweet little one hardly cried, but I couldn't watch it all. Actually, I was told that women aren't normally present, but since we came so early, and were in great fear, the kind Rabbi let me stay in the portico with Joseph and the baby. What a moment it turned out to be!

Right after the final blessings were sung, two elderly people, a man and a woman came to us and were jubilant about seeing the child. These complete strangers wanted to hold the boy, and we let them, praying he would be safe with them. Oh, he was more than safe. They told us they spent their lives in the temple waiting years to see our child. They were so overjoyed they showered him with gifts and song! They prayed over him and over us as well. Then they thanked us over and over again. The Rabbi told us they had been here for years waiting for this day. It was an extraordinary moment! 

When we arrived back in our stable lodgings, our landlady Rachel came rushing in and told us they were still looking for the child. Soldiers had banged on her door, and she assured them no baby was here. We spent the rest of the day in hiding, up in the loft, behind stacked bales of hay. Rachel brought us some supper and later came and told us that the soldiers were no longer lingering nearby. I know having a baby is hard work, and raising a child is likewise. I didn't expect we would have such challenges! Looking forward to being back home soon. Joseph thinks all the paperwork will be done in a few days.

Love,

Mary