O Lord our Governor, how exalted is your Name in all the world!
Out of the mouths of infants and children your majesty is praised above the heavens.
You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries,
to quell the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
What is man that you should be mindful of him?
the son of man that you should seek him out?
You have made him but little lower than the angels;
you adorn him with glory and honor;
You give him mastery over the works of your hands;
you put all things under his feet:
All sheep and oxen, even the wild beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fish of the sea,
and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
O Lord our Governor, how exalted is your Name in all the world! Psalm 8
Dear Mama and Papa,
Today was a wonderful day! The time had come for us to present this sweet baby to the temple, and we couldn't wait any longer. We so wished to be back home for all of this! The temple is so beautiful here and the priests and rabbis were very accommodating. They told us we were always welcome, despite the fact that we weren't members here they accepted our small gifts with gratitude. They did the ceremony in a quiet side place, and although I was scared and cringed listening at a distance, our little boy did not cry but a very little. Joseph was visibly frightened and worried about it all, but when the priest reminded him that he, Joseph, had been through this, Joseph straightened up and went ahead into the chamber. The prayers seemed to take forever. Finally, Joseph appeared radiant holding the baby! We have spent so much time here in Bethlehem, away from crowds and people that it was lovely to be out in the city. I still tire quickly, but the vibrancy here gave me new energy. There are truly people from all over, sharing their wares, cultures and song.
When we were leaving the temple, an extraordinary thing happened. We were stopped first by an elderly man, standing close by with the religious leaders named Simeon, who broke away from them and took the child from us. We were afraid for a moment. But then he told us he had been waiting for the baby, and recited ancient prophecy about him. He blessed the baby and us, kneeling and thanking us for caring for the little one, telling us there would be challenges ahead. We were just about catching our breath when a very old and wizened woman rushed up to us. She told us her name was Anna, she was a widow who had spent many years worshipping in the temple. She too blessed us all telling us the child was long awaited and the redemption of Isreal. As you can imagine, we can back to our rooms, overwhelmed and full of wonder. This has been one incredible and often nerve-racking experience. Can't wait to be home with you again!
love,
Mary
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