First Sunday of Advent 2025

Jesus said to the disciples, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” Matthew 24:36-44

*This is the beginning of Advent. From Advent until the day of Epiphany, I write letters from Mary who, sometimes writes to her mother and sometimes to her aunt/cousin Elizabeth.

Dearest Elizabeth,

I am writing because I desperately need your help and advice. I am so excited for you, pregnant after you waited and prayed for so long. I need to know how it feels to be pregnant. My flow seems to have stopped and I don’t know what to do! I have not had relations with a man, and have just kissed Joseph once. He is kind and sweet, and very careful and respectful of me. We haven’t set our wedding date yet we have to meet with Rabbi Abraham and plan with the temple ladies a well. The rules are very strict here. 

I haven’t said anything to Mama and Papa. They have worries of their own. The Romans are patrolling here and expect Papa to give them discounts for anything they want. If he doesn’t, they threaten they will mess him up along with the wood shop. Mama and I are afraid for him. He is so brave! I am so afraid of the trouble this might cause in our tight knit community. Papa is a pillar of faith and a leader in the temple. I have done nothing wrong but I think no one would understand nor be kind about it. I want this to be a mistake and that I will become a regular girl again.

Every night and several times a day I pray to the Lord to free me from this terror within. Maybe there is something wrong with me, maybe this is some kind of sickness. I know Yahweh will provide, but right now the road ahead is dark and scary. I feel so all alone. I have felt close to the Lord all my life, but now I feel abandoned and scared. What should I do?

Sending my love and prayers for you both. I mean you three! I hope I can come see you soon. You have always been my strength and support.

Much love,

Mary