Mary's Story: Part Three Conclusion

Merry Christmas to all you readers! I hope you have a joyous Holy-day! May we never forget God's greatest Gift of Christmas!!

Mary sang a song of praise as she went about her preparations. Praise to the LORD for His work in Joseph’s heart! She had returned from her visit to Elizabeth to a changed Joseph. An angel had appeared to him as well, although in a dream, and told him to take her as his wife, that her story was true. And now she was making preparations to become his bride.

The wedding went well. Everyone feasted on the delicious meal and had a good time. Now Mary was Joseph’s wife and keeping his house. She smiled as she prepared the evening meal. Joseph would be in from the shop and they would sit down at the beautiful table he had made, just as they had done in the five months since the wedding. Her belly was quite large now and made her movements rather awkward. It would not be long before the Messiah would make His appearance. What would He look like? Would they share any features? Would He have her dark hair and eyes? What would it be like to hold her Creator and care for His every need?

Joseph came in, stomping the dust from his feet, just as he always did. His eyes were so expressive; they usually reflected his eagerness just to spend time with her. This day, however, they only reflected worry.

“What is the matter, Joseph?” Mary inquired.

“Mary, my love, I just found out that there is to be a new tax.”

“Do we not have the money to pay it?” Failure to pay a tax could result in the head of the home being sent to prison, or worse, to the galleys.

“No, that is not the problem. The problem is that it must be paid in my hometown and you must go with me. Caesar is also taking a census, and for that reason we must go to Bethlehem, the town of my fathers.”

“The trip will be hard, Joseph. But God will protect this little one from harm. I’m not afraid.”

And so the plans were made. The trip was long. Sometimes Mary rode the small donkey they bought for the trip, but often she walked. Walking was more comfortable than bumping around on the donkey’s back. Bethlehem was a very busy place. They had not foreseen the trouble they would have finding a place to stay. As they went from inn to inn searching for a room, Mary began to feel the first pangs of labor. She didn’t tell Joseph at first, after all, what more could he do to find a place than what he was already doing. But it wasn’t long before he noticed her discomfort. Perhaps it was her sharp intake of breath that made him look back at her.

“Are you alright, Mary?”

Mary nodded, but her face betrayed the pains that she felt. Joseph, feeling a stronger sense of urgency, became even more adamant at the next inn. Finally the innkeeper must have felt pity for them. He offered the only room he had left – a stable. Joseph accepted. Mary was troubled, how could she give birth in such a place, amid the animals and the dirt. But Joseph was able to prepare a soft bed on clean hay; the blankets they brought helped to shield her from the poking straw. Despite the less than desirable conditions, there were no other options. The Baby must be born here, but better here than on the streets.

And so He was. The birth went quickly after she was settled, and soon she held the baby Emmanuel in her arms. Oh the splendor and the humility. She, chosen to care for the Creator. The One who had formed her in her mother’s womb, now lay helpless in her arms. The stable itself seemed to glow with His presence. It could not have looked more beautiful to Mary had it been a palace.

Later that evening Joseph and Mary were surprised to have visitors. Several men came to the entrance of the stable, asking to see the baby. Joseph was reluctant, but when Mary heard them speak of angels, she knew they could not be refused. They came in and knelt before the manger that had been put to use as Jesus’s bed. They did not stay long, but soon went on their way rejoicing.

As Mary thought about these events, she sat in wonder. What kind of man was Jesus to be? Maybe He wouldn’t become a mighty king as she had imagined he would. Perhaps He was to take His place among the most humble of His people. Why else would He be born in a stable? Why else would the angels announce His arrival to shepherds of all people? Mary treasured these thoughts as she settled in for a needed rest. Who knew what tomorrows would bring? But she rested in the thought that God had it all planned, to the last detail, and it was not for her to know it all. But Mary knew that she wouldn’t forget the happenings of the last few months. Perhaps one day, the world would want to know about His birth. Would they celebrate it as a part of God’s greater plan?

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Images Courtesy of Graphics By Irene

Story copyright Charity M. December 2006. The author kindly requests that you seek her permission before using this story in any form. Thank you.

Mary's Story: Part Two

Here is the second installment of Mary's Story. Enjoy! The last part will be posted Christmas Eve - one week from today! :)

The next day, Mary walked to Joseph’s shop with trepidation. Would he understand what she had to tell him? He must know, and her news was sure to affect him deeply. She had told her parents the night before, and they had taken the news quite well. It was a shock to them, of course, but they had never known her to lie and they trusted her. They had encouraged her to tell Joseph first thing today. They weren’t sure how he would take the news. Would he cancel their marriage plans, or even have her stoned to death?

Mary stopped at the door to Joseph’s shop and watched as he sanded down the top of a table he had just finished. The table’s surface glowed from the smoothing and polish that Joseph had applied. He must have felt her gaze, because he looked toward the door.

"Mary! Come in and see! I made it for us – for our home. Do you like it?”

Mary stepped into the shop and admired the table, running her hand over the smooth top and admiring the scroll work on the legs.

“It’s beautiful, Joseph. How hard you must have worked. I can just see us sitting down to dinner with our children at this fine table.” Mary turned away as tears filled her eyes. Would they ever get to share a meal at this table?

“Mary, what is wrong?” Joseph was instantly by her side, concern filling his eyes. “has something happened?”

Mary took a deep breath as she prepared to answer. “Yes, something has happened, Joseph. But it is wonderful news, really. If only you understand…”

“Understand what, Mary? What wonderful news would cause you to fill with sadness?”

“Not sadness, Joseph. Just fear. Although, I shouldn’t be afraid, Jehovah is in charge and I am his handmaiden.”

“Mary, please stop speaking in riddles and tell me what has happened.”

“I am with child.”

“What?”

“Yes, Joseph. Let me explain.” As Mary told him of the events of the previous day, Joseph’s eyes filled with amazement, then anger, then sorrow.

“Please, go, Mary. I need to think.”

Mary left the shop in tears. How could she make him understand that what she said was true? She couldn’t, only the LORD could help him understand. When she arrived home, she told her parents of her visit. Her father went to Joseph to try to explain and to intercede on her behalf. When he returned, the news wasn’t good. Joseph was considering terminating the engagement, although in a private manner. At least he wouldn’t have her stoned.

Mary’s father had a suggestion. “I think you should take a trip, Mary. Go see our cousin Elizabeth. A visit to her would be of great comfort to you, I think.”

Mary agreed and preparations were quickly made for the trip. Two days later, she left, without hearing anything else from Joseph.

The trip was long, but finally she reached her destination near Jerusalem. When she entered the home of Zacharias and Elizabeth, she called out her greeting. Elizabeth came running with tears of joy.

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”[1]

Mary was so grateful! Someone else believed! Someone else knew, without Mary even telling her! Truly the LORD was paving the way for the Messiah! As she was filled with joy, Mary’s heart overflowed with praise.

“My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent away the rich empty-handed. He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever.”[2]

Mary enjoyed her visit with Elizabeth. They excitedly prepared for both of their children, making small garments and trying to imagine what their little ones would be like. After three months, Mary received a message to come home as soon as possible. Had Joseph had a change of heart? Would they be married after all?

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[1] From New American Standard www.crosswalk.com

[2] Ibid.

Images Courtesy of Graphics By Irene

Story copyright Charity M. December 2006. The author kindly requests that you seek her permission before using this story in any form. Thank you.

Mary's Story is to be continued each Monday until Christmas.
I hope you enjoy it!

Merry Christmas!!!

Mary's Story: Part One

Merry Christmas from me! The following post and the next two posts are all part of a story that I wrote for my Sunday School class last year. I wanted to share it with you, as my Christmas gift. We don't know much about the emotions of Mary although the Bible does share some with us. We also don't know much about the events of the lives of those that had a part in the Birth of Christ. What follows is my idea of how these events might have taken place, and how Mary felt in reaction to those events. I hope you enjoy it!

Mary hurried home after her morning trip to the well. The sun was well on it’s way on its daily trip across the Galilean sky. She had spent too much time chatting with Hannah, and Mother would need the water. But, oh, she had had so much to discuss with Hannah. So much could happen in a day! To think that she was engaged to Joseph! He was so handsome, dark hair and deep brown eyes, and his manner was so kind and gentle. To think that he would desire her as a wife! Hannah had been surprised, but of course she knew of Mary’s desire to be wed, now that she was a woman. Hannah knew of Mary’s admiration for the young carpenter, and to think that Mary’s fondest desire was to come true!

Mary tripped a little in her rush. The water sloshed about in her pitcher, and a little spilled out leaving dark spots in the dust on her sandaled feet. Mary was quick to regain her footing and continue on home.

“There was much to discuss at the well today, Mary?” Mother smiled as she rescued the pitcher from Mary’s excited hands. Mary nodded and smiled. Mother remembered how it was to be betrothed to the one she had admired. Mother also remembered the chatter that went on among the young women at the well in Nazareth.

“I’m sorry I took so long, Mother. Hannah had many questions.”

“She always was a curious one, just like her mother. My sister drove our mother to distraction with her questions as we grew up.”

Mary reflected on the events of the last evening as she continued to help her mother with the meal preparations. She had been so surprised when Joseph showed up at their door before the evening meal. She almost forgot to invite him in, and when she did remember the words were hard in coming. One look into those eyes and all words took wing. She had been even more shocked when he asked to speak with her father. Although custom usually dictated that the two fathers arranged the marriages between a son and daughter, Joseph had come on his own behalf, his father having died when he was young. Besides, he was a man on his own and could speak for himself. He was quite capable of providing for a bride. His carpentry work was in high demand all around Galilee. And to think that he would choose her for a wife!!

Time passed as Mary and her family began the preparations for the coming marriage. Her garments had to be sewn and the items gathered for her dowry – fine linen and gold coins. Her father was a successful shepherd, but she and Joseph would have little need for sheep, or room to care for them.

Mary sang softly to herself as she cared for the lambs of her father’s flock. She would miss these young ones. They were her favorite job, always so much fun to watch and often they allowed her to cuddle them. Their antics never failed to amuse her as the frolicked around. A noise behind her startled her from her amusement and she turned. Standing behind her was a man, or was he? His face seemed to glow from within and his garments were unsoiled by the dust at his feet. Her breath caught in her throat. She felt afraid, but did not feel as though he would harm her.

“Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”[1]

Mary trembled at his words. What kind of greeting was that? This man was obviously not from Galilee. He spoke as no one she had ever known. And why would he say she was highly favored among all women, she was just a young woman of Galilee. This person’s words were quite troubling indeed.

“Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

Mary was shocked at his words! How could this thing happen? She was not yet married!

“How can this thing happen to me? I am a virgin.”

“The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

“I am here, a servant of the Lord. Let it happen to me just as you have said.”

The man turned and was gone. A warmth filled Mary’s stomach and she knew. To think that she was the chosen one for this honor. Israel had been waiting for the Messiah for four hundred years, to think that now was the time, and she was the woman. And from Galilee. But… OH… HOW was she to explain this to Joseph?

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[1] From the King James Version: www.crosswalk.com

Graphics courtesy of Graphics By Irene

Story copyright Charity M. December 2006. The author kindly requests that you seek her permission before using this story in any form. Thank you.