Mary - Chapter 10 - The Wedding

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Joseph sometimes found it hard to concentrate on his work in the following days. He wanted to please his employer and do the best he could. He also wanted to learn from him and even others he saw working around him. Someday he hoped to be able to work on his own. He felt good about the skills he was acquiring working with stone, plaster and wood. There was so much to learn. Someday he hoped he could also learn to work with marble. 

Something else he saw in the finer buildings he had occasion to be involved with was the fine work of the mosaic tilers. Their artistry amazed him. Sometimes he felt uncomfortable with some of that work though. These artisans often incorporated human figures into their murals and floors and in Joseph’s mind that was against the law of his people. They were not to make any image of anything human, lest it become an object of worship. He felt especially guilty when thee mosaics were built on the background of floors and walls he had helped make. He made sure to pray and ask Jehovah for forgiveness if this made him break the law by preparing the surface for this work. He would also try to remember to include a prayer about this with the sin offerings he would bring to the temple in Jerusalem when he would go there with his family.  

But his thoughts continually strayed to his personal life. He thought about the angels’ visits to Mary and then himself. He thought about how fortunate he was to have become engaged to Mary. She was not only beautiful, she had the most pleasing disposition. She was ever polite, courteous, obedient and helpful. She was always so positive. Now that they were betrothed, he got to spend more time with her and there was nothing about her he did not love. There was also something so innocent and trusting about her that it stirred his deepest feelings of wanting to care for and protect her. He sometimes wondered how much of that might be called for in the days ahead. Most importantly, he was challenged by her faith. Girls were not allowed to go to synagogue school as he had been fortunate to do until he was 12, so they did not get to hear the scriptures read other than on synagogue on Shabbat. That made it all the more amazing that she knew as much about the stories of Israel and about the law as he did.

Finally, there came the day when he was already seated with Anna and Mary, ready for the evening meal, when Joachim walked in and announced, “It’s all arranged, in 1 week you young people will be married!”

Mary gasped and leapt to her feet to throw her arms around her father and kiss him, “Oh, Papa, I am going to be the happiest wife in the world. And I just know Joseph is going to be a wonderful husband and father,” she added, turning her warm smile on Joseph.

In their moments together, Joseph, impressed by the significance of this pregnancy that was ostensibly underway in Mary, had promised her that they would not need to consummate their marriage until after the child’s birth. Mary had been utterly impressed by this expression of Joseph’s commitment and self-discipline; it only deepened her love and respect for this quiet young man from Nazareth. 

That week flew by. Preparations were made for a small gathering of their two families and some close relatives and friends. When the day came, Joseph and Mary, who were now staying with his parents in Nazareth, were given brand new clothes to wear. Then they all walked solemnly across the village to the synagogue. The young couple were given seats of honour at the front of the synagogue, facing the leader of the synagogue and the local rabbi. The rituals of a first century Jewish marriage were followed, ending in a prayer to Jehovah for a blessing on the couple and a wish for many children. When the brief ceremony was over, Joseph stood up and, taking Mary’s had in his, led the happy throng back to his parents’ place. Some of the villagers had joined them with pipes and tambourines as they went merrily along, dancing in front of the couple. As they walked, Joseph and Mary also heard the blessings from all they passed. When they arrived back at Joachim's place their two families were joined in a small feast by some of their closest friends' families. The two families still wanted to keep things as low key as possible.

There had been questions about why so soon when the engagement had only been a couple of month earlier. Joachim and Jacob had simply affirmed to all who asked that this was revealed to them as the will of The Highest One. That unusual answer usually caught the questioners so off guard they scarcely knew how to press the issue further. In any case, when they did, the two fathers were steadfast in their decree and offered no more.

Chapter 11 – The Trip to Judea

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Finally, word came from Judea that Zechariah and Elizabeth would be delighted to have their niece visit. The messenger that had been sent also told them that, yes, Elizabeth had told them she was pregnant. Furthermore, she had told him to tell Joachim and Anna that this had come about because an angel had visited Zechariah when he was serving in the temple and told him this was going to happen. Understandably, Zechariah had doubted this, with their being so advanced in years. As a result, God had struck him speechless until such a time as their son – it was going to be a boy, whom they were to name John – would be born. The angel had also told Zechariah that this boy wouldbe great in the sight of the Lord. He was never to drink wine or strong drink, and he was going to be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. The angel had said he would “turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. He would go as a forerunner before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him.” 

Of course, Anna wanted badly to know how her sister was doing. The messenger said she seemed to be well and had told him to reassure Anna of that. Furthermore, she was already into her fifth month.

This story would have seemed unbelievable to Joachim and Anna if it were not for the events that had also been happening in their home and in the home of Jacob and Naomi. Just the same, it just added more to their wonder and amazement at the things they were getting caught up in. And why their families? The ways of The Highest One were indeed mysterious and beyond comprehending. All they could do was give thanks and praise to Jehovah and trust that he was working out his plans still.

So, plans were quickly put in place for Mary and Joseph to go to Judea. Joachim arranged with their trusty servant Elias to accompany the young people. He had helped them on trips to and Judea and Jerusalem before.

The morning of the trip dawned bright and sunny. Joseph cold barely contain his excitement as he raced over the hill and across the valley to Sepphoris. Mary had gone back there to spend the night with her parents before being away for some time. 

When Joseph called out a greeting from the doorway Joachim bounded to the door and clapped his big hand around his shoulder, “Come in my son, come in. Have something to eat before you leave.”

Joseph protested that he had already eaten but even Anna prevailed upon him and he ate more. He had already seen

Eliab loading up a donkey in the street with food and bedding for the journey. He had brought some bread, dried figs and raisins of his own. 

When they had all finished breakfast and farewells were said, Joachim invoked a blessing from Jehovah for safety and good health for the 3 of them as they travelled. Besides their own food and bedding, they also carried some gifts for Zechariah and Elizabeth. Then they were off. Eliab walked in front of the donkey, holding the reins. Mary sat astride and Joseph walked alongside. Mary shyly reached out her hand and Joseph took it in his as they plodded along in silence for a while. It was still early and in some ways they barely felt awake. They were both filled with excitement though too. Barely married, and here they were making their first trip together. Joseph’s heart was almost bursting with pride as he walked erectly along beside his bride, sensing the increasing responsibilities that were being placed on him as a man now, no longer a boy.

It was a beautiful day and they enjoyed seeing the green hills, the flowers and the singing birds as they began their trek to the southeast. Following the customs of their people, they did not take the most direct route from Nazareth to Judea. The Jews of the time considered the peoples living south of Galilee, the Samaritans, unclean, as they were not pure Jews and did not believe, worship or live according to The Law in the same way the Jews did. So, they added a couple of days to their journey to Jerusalem rather than risk difficulties going through Samaria, as the citizens of that area were not always friendly to them either, knowing how they were viewed.  Thus, it was getting late in the day as they arrived at their first night stop, Beth Shan, the ancient city – town really – the Greeks and Romans called Scythopolis. This was a major crossroads between the east-west route from the eastern cities of the Decapolis to Palestine and the Mediterranean. There were many travellers stopping for the night but their sight was not that unfamiliar to these three. Nazareth was itself not that far from this route so many of these traders and pilgrims would pass that way too.

They had stopped for lunch on the way and now, after stopping to rest and have a little evening meal, they found a sheltered place to sleep for the night. They wrapped themselves in their blankets against the cool night air. Joseph felt a thrill as Mary turned to him and yielded the curves of her warm body to his protective arms. He could hardly believe his good fortune to be together like this with his beloved Mary.  Elias slept next to them and near their donkey, the better able to keep something of a guard for them. 

In the morning, after eating a bit more of their carried food, they turned south to the Jordan Valley.  They walked past fields of corn and grain, groves of olive trees and figs. To the left lay the blue hills of the Transjordan. On their right were the dry and grassy hills of their own land. 

Three days later, getting dusty and tired by this time, they reached Jericho. Here Eliab found them a citizen willing to let them share the family’s upper room for the night. He took care of the transactions required to make it possible. They rested easier that night, the young lovers once again thrilled to sleep in each other’s arms. 

Next morning, having eaten the last of their provisions and having refilled their canteens with water, they set out on the last leg of their journey together. It had been planned that Joseph and Eliab would accompany Mary to Jerusalem where they would stay with members of Anna’s family. From there someone from her aunt’s family would meet Mary and accompany her to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth in the village in the Judean hills in which they lived. Joseph and Eliab would return to Nazareth. Mary and Joseph did not relish the thought of parting for however long Mary would stay with her aunt, but that was what their parents had arranged so they complied.

The 20 miles or so from Jericho to Jerusalem were noted for the rough terrain in between. To begin with it was bleak, hilly and dry. It was also a steep climb from the Jordan Valley to the mountains on which Jerusalem was built. The winding road past rocky ledges and caves was also notorious as a hiding place for thieves who sometimes attacked travellers violently. For that reason, Eliab had made arrangement for the three of them to travel with others going up to Jerusalem. If this had been a feast time the road would have been filled with pilgrims making their joyous way westward together but that was not the case now. Still, there was always the belief that there was some increased measure of safety in numbers. The trio also said an extra prayer for safety before they set out.

Before the day had ended the 3 travellers y did arrive safely at Mary’s relative’s home in Jerusalem. They were welcomed enthusiastically and refreshed after their long and wearying journey. Under the circumstances as guests the couple were not able to sleep together that night. Mary slept with her relatives and Joseph and Eliab were given a place of their own to rest. 

Next morning after their hosts had given them a good breakfast and seen to it that the men had provisions with which to start out on their return journey, Joseph and Mary hugged each other tightly as they bade each other a tearful farewell. Then, Joseph was off back to Nazareth and his work and Mary prepared to travel the last short distance to meet her aunt and uncle in their nearby home.

Mary – Ch. 9 – It is Arranged

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That night at dinner Joseph and Mary’s parents discussed how they would proceed. They agreed that it would be good for the two young people to marry, and soon. This wasn’t the usual custom – engagements could last a year - but these were unusual circumstances. This would help keep tongues from wagging too much as it became apparent Mary was pregnant. However, even more so, the two families believed The Highest One was behind all this so it should be alright. If people asked questions they would simply say that they had consulted Jehovah and this seemed the way to go.   

Then, there was the matter of going to visit Mary’s cousin. The sense was still that this would be a good move to further help reduce the risk of gossip and unpleasant consequences for the young couple. Besides, it would give Mary a chance to connect with her relatives and share experiences with Elizabeth.

Joachim stated that he has already sent word to Zechariah and Elizabeth to see if Mary’s visit would be alright. If and when they received an affirmative response they would make arrangements for Mary to go safely there. 

“Actually,” Joachim said, “I think if we can arrange the marriage as soon as possible, I think it would be good for you –“ he looked straight at Joseph, leaning forward and speaking very intently, “ to take Mary. You have both been that way before. We would send a servant along and arrange for a ride for Mary. That way, you two could spend some time together and get to know each other better. What do you think?” he added, looking at Mary and then Joseph in turn. 

Joseph’s heart had skipped a few beats and he could see Mary’s face brighten and she was practically beaming when she answered her father, “Papa, I would love that very much. Wouldn’t you Joseph?” She finished, looking at him. 

“I – I – I can’t think of anything I’d rather do more,” Joseph stammered. 

Joachim chuckled expansively, “It’s a deal then. We will just wait for the right time to go. And meanwhile we will have to plan the wedding,” he closed, looking at Joseph’s parents. They nodded their assent.

“It all just seems so much,” Naomi sighed, “What is our God requiring of us?”

“Who knows?” Joachim remonstrated, spreading his arms wide for emphasis, “The ways of the Lord are mysterious and beyond understanding. It is up to us only to obey.” 

“Joachim and Anna,” Jacob interjected, “We owe you a lot. Thank you so much.”

“These are the things we have to do for our children,” Joachim said with a shrug, “Meanwhile, we all still have our normal routines to follow. Tomorrow is another work day.”

“Yes,” Jacob answered, rising along with Naomi to leave. Joseph also role to follow his parents out. They all exchanged farewells and the three vanished into the night.

Mary – Ch. 8 – Marriage after all?

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When Joseph arrived home that evening he joined his parents for the evening meal as usual. They ate in relative silence and Joseph assumed they were all still thinking about the recent events and decisions. As they were finishing up their meal his father broke the silence, “Joseph, your mother and I have been talking. You did say the angel told you it was alright to marry Mary. That this is all the work of The Highest One. If this is so, we trust it will all work out alright. Therefore, we think we should go ahead with the engagement and marriage. Better to get married now than later when it is obvious Mary is pregnant and you and her are both more likely to come under condemnation by legalistic busybodies. This way, if you have been married for many months by that time, people will think it is your legitimate child. What do you think?”

Joseph’s heart had jumped at the words. He wanted more than anything to marry the beautiful Mary. However, he did not want to appear too excited at the prospect. He waited briefly before responding as calmly as he could, “I am most thankful for your thoughts. You know I want to marry Mary. You are my elders and your wisdom has been expressed. I know you are both trying to do what is best for us. So, how do we go about this though?”

Joseph and Mary had only recently been engaged and he knew the betrothal period was to last a certain amount of time. They had not yet even completed arrangements for Mary to become part of Jacob and Naomi’s household, which was the custom. 

Jacob responded to Joseph’s question, “We can speak to Mary’s parents. Yu know about all the concern about the unrest developing around us. Under these circumstances, it is better we do these things now while we can. Who knows what the future brings. We can make plans for our safety if things get ugly.”

Joseph did not want to think about these things going on around them, but he knew his parent were right. 

“I will come with you tomorrow morning and ask Joachim if we can arrange a time to talk about this – as soon as possible. There is still the matter of Joachim’s idea of Mary’s going to visit her relatives in Judea.” Joseph had almost forgotten about that and his heart sank a little again. There were so many angles to this. 

Next morning the sun was barely up when the chill morning saw Jacob and Joseph trudging across the valley to Sepphori together again. When they reached Joachim and Anna’s home Jacob called out, “Blessings and peace on this home!” 

Joachim appeared in the doorway and his face broke into a big smile when he saw his friend Jacob, “Welcome, welcome, peace also to you. Come in, come in. What brings you back so soon?”

“Thank you,” Jacob said has he crossed the threshold, with Joseph close behind.  

“Sit, sit,” said Joachim, “Have you eaten?”

“We have, thank you, “Jacob replied, “In response to your question about my appearance this morning – Joseph’s mother and I have been thinking and we have some ideas we would like to discuss with you. Soon, if possible.”

“Why not this evening?” Joachim said spreading out his arms as if already welcoming them, “Come with Naomi for dinner with us!” 

“It is agreed. Thank you again,” Jacob said somewhat formally, “We will be here,” and he turned and left.

“How are you Joseph?” asked Anna, “This must all be very difficult for you. I know Mary has certainly had all kinds of questions.” Mary smiled warmly at Joseph.

Joseph just wanted to take Mary in his arms and assure her that everything would work out alright, but he knew that was not acceptable yet. 

“I am doing alright,” Joseph tried to sound more confident than he was. Unable to contain his anxiety any longer, he learned towards Mary and asked, regardless of what was appropriate or not “How are you doing?”

Mary smiled again and Joseph could not help notice what a beatific smile she had, “Joseph,” she began, and Joseph’s heart warmed just hearing her say his name, “I trust in the Lord and I know everything will be alright, even though we don’t understand it now.”

Joseph was just getting to know Mary and he wondered at her calmness and strength in this, but it helped calm him too.

“it sounds like we all will have more to talk about tonight,” interjected Joachim, “But right now, we have to go and earn our living for today, right Joseph?” he said, pulling himself to his feet and preparing to go to work, “The ladies will have a busy day preparing for our meal tonight with your parents.” 

Joseph dutifully picked up his lunch bag and flung his water flask over his shoulder and followed Joachim out the door. Turning back on the threshold, he offered a weak “Goodbye” and was gone.  

Mary – Ch. 7 – New Plans

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Joseph could not help feeling somewhat apprehensive as they approached the home where Mary lived. As if reading his mind, his father eased his anxiety somewhat by stopping Joseph with his hand on his shoulder and turning to face him before they got to the door, “I am your father, I will talk first. You might have something to add in its turn.” They turned to enter the home.

“Greetings and peace to your household,” Jacob called as he stepped into Joachim and Anna’s doorway.  

“Peace to you,” Joachim replied as he stepped from the shadows and welcomed the two of them in, “I hope you bring good news. Come in, have a seat.”

“I believe we do bring good news,” Jacob answered, “I believe we do. You see –“ he nodded at Anna and Mary as they appeared in the background, “Joseph also had a visit from the angel –“ Mary gasped and exclaimed, “You too?” before clapping her hands over her mouth and waiting politely for Jacob to go on.

“Yes,” Jacob went on, “The angel said the same thing about the child to be as he said to your daughter, didn’t he Joseph?” Joseph nodded, “But, there is more. You know how this news from Mary’s visitor put us all in such a state, we did not know what to do. Well, I think Joseph’s visitor cleared that up at least somewhat. He told Joseph to go ahead and marry Mary anyway.”

Jacob paused, but no one spoke, so he continued, “However, my opinion is that we still need to be careful about this,” and he shared the concerns he had voiced to his wife and Joseph earlier that morning.

There was silence and then Joachim spoke, “Jacob, I believe what you have said is wise. This made me think of something else the angel told Mary. Remember, he said our cousin Elizabeth is also with child through a merciful act of The Highest One. I’m beginning to think,” he paused and looked at Anna and Mary, “that it might be a good time for Mary to visit Elizabeth. They would have much in common to discuss and learn from. It might just also be safer for her in Judea than here, both personally and keeping in mind all the rumblings of discontent we hear brewing about us.”

Joseph glanced at Mary and saw the shadow cross her face and he knew what she was thinking. He too felt a heaviness. She smiled wanly at him. If these plans went ahead, they would not get to see much of each other for some time – who knew how long?

Joachim was speaking again, “However, we should make sure things are alright with Zechariah and Elizabeth before we think too much of sending Mary down there. We need to be certain they can accept Mary’s presence for a while.”

Jacob nodded, “You have spoken well, we will await your word on this.”

“Yes, and meanwhile,” nodding at Joseph, “A new day of work awaits us.”

“Indeed,” replied Jacob, rising to leave, as did Joachim and Jacob, “See you this evening, son.” Joseph nodded and followed the men out.

Jacob turned to return to Nazareth and Joachim and Joseph headed off to their work in Sepphoris.

Mary – Ch. 6 – Spreading the News

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Before long Joseph was wakened by the crow of a rooster. He knew it was time to get up and go back to work. Then, all the events of yesterday and especially last night came flooding back. He dashed out to where his mother was ready with some breakfast for him.

“Mama, mama,” he cried, “Is Papa still here?”

“Yes, Naomi said, “He’s around somewhere.” 

Joseph ducked outside into the fresh air of the morning and saw his father puttering in the garden.

“Papa, Papa,” he said excitedly, “Remember what I told you yesterday? About Mary and the angel?”

Jacob straitened up and turned towards his son, “How could I forget something like that?” he said wryly before Joseph could finish, “You were quite upset, even confused. For which I can’t blame you. You had a lot on your mind.”

“Yes, yes,” Joseph raced on, “But last night the angel came to me-“

“Whoah,” his father broke in, “Two angels in two nights? After so many years of silence?” News had not yet reached the family about the recent angel appearance in Jerusalem, “That’s a bit much to take in, to believe. Are you sure you weren’t dreaming about Mary’s experience with all that on your mind?”

“No, father, no,” replied Joseph earnestly, “In fact, the angel told me much the same as was told to Mary. But he said more. He said I was to have no fear and marry Mary anyway. Then he said that the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit, that she will give birth to a son and we are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins!”

Jacob rested his chin on his hands as he listened to his son, “Well,” he answered as he tried to absorb Joseph’s words, “This is beyond anything I have ever heard. I wish I knew more of what it meant. If this is from The Highest One, we will find out in time. Did you tell this to your mother?”

‘No,” Joseph replied, “I thought I should tell you first.”

“Very well,” Jacob answered, “Let’s go in and have something to eat while we talk about this. 

Jacob’s father lifted his eyes heavenward and asked for a blessing on the meal and then they ate in silence. 

Joseph could hardly contain himself but he thought he should wait for his father’s leading. Eventually Jacob pushed back and crossed his legs to sit upright, “Naomi,” he began, “Our son appears to have had the same kind of nighty visitor that he told us Mary reported.”

Naomi straitened up, eyes wide, “What? Joseph, what did the visitor, the angel, tell you?” 

“The same as to Mary,” Joseph began, repeating what he had told his father.

Naomi looked at Jacob, “Jacob, what does this mean? What are we to do?”

Jacob considered things for a minute and then replied, “I think we just have to wait and see what The Highest One is doing. I guess it won’t hurt to go ahead with the engagement. However, I am still concerned for Mary – and you too Joseph.”

“There are several reasons why we need to keep quiet about this. First of all, you know what some might look for in terms of punishment for being pregnant under these circumstances. We don’t want anything to happen to our children. We know what the old law says but we also know many of our leaders in these times do not believe Jehovah is that punitive, as to want people killed. He would rather be gracious and forgive they say. Still –“ he hesitated, “There is another reason why we have to keep quiet. You know how King Herod feels about any challenge to his rule, and the angels are telling us this boy is to be a king? Not to mention the Romans.”

Then he leaned forward and intoned ominously, “and I hear some of our Galilean hotheads are again planning a revolt. Ah, they are crazy – between you and me I say that. We just don’t need trouble.”

Joseph had heard some of his young friends talking of this too but he had kept quiet. Violence was not his way. 

“Anyway,” Jacob said, rising from his place at the meal, “We need to go and talk to Joachim and Anna about this, and of course, Mary. Come, my son.”

Joseph got up, leaning over to kiss his mother on his way out, “Pray for us mother,” he said, before the two men turned and walked out into the new day. They pulled their cloaks tighter around them as they stepped out into the still cool morning air.

They walked in silence around the side of the hill on which Nazareth was built and then downhill on the path that lead across the valley to Sepphoris. In the distance, they could see its imposing buildings and walls, bright in the morning sun.

Mary – Ch. 5 – Night Visit Two

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Joseph was exhausted but in his trouble, he only slept fitfully. He was in that tiring state of being half awake and half asleep when all at once he felt a strange and comforting warmth about him. When he became aware of it he also noticed it was becoming increasingly brighter. Was he dreaming? But no, it was as if he felt something, a presence in the room. He was overcome with terror. What was happening? He bolted up from his mat! The room was filling with blinding light! Suddenly he saw it – the radiant figure of a young man at the foot of his mat. He was speechless but then the figure spoke:

““Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

Joseph gasped. This stranger was speaking to everything that had occupied his mind these last dreadful hours. Who was this and how did this figure know?  He scarcely had time to begin to gather his thoughts, realizing he had had all kinds of questions for this person. Indeed, this figure seemed to be saying the same things Mary had said such a night visitor had said to her. But before he could summon the courage to open his mouth, the visitor was gone. The light faded and the room felt cold and dark again.

Joseph sat in stunned silence. Then, as the force of what had just happened began to dissipate, he started to go over what he had just heard. ‘Joseph, son of David’ - Yes, he was a descendant of Israel’s great king. But he had never been greeted that way before. What did this mean? Yet, as he went through the message he had just been given, Joseph felt a strange sense of comfort and strength. This person - and it must have been an angel like Mary had seen, with that heat and light, and those words – knew all about his dilemma, his fears. And he had told him not to be afraid, but to take Mary as his wife. Suddenly, Joseph felt the beginnings of hope return. This, this angel, had also told him that Mary’s child was from the Holy Spirit, not from himself, not from any other man. That should have been a relief, and it was, but it was all still a bit much to really sink in as to what this was all about. Mary had said her night visitor had also said she would have a son that should be named Jesus. But it seemed her visitor had talked about him being a king. This messenger had talked about this child saving his people from their sins. What did that mean? Only Jehovah could do that. 

So, now what? Should he waken his parents and tell them what had happened or wait till morning? He certainly had a lot to talk about with them and with Mary and her family. Anyway, he had no idea what time of night it was. Everything was very dark so he guessed it was not yet anywhere near morning. But could he sleep till then?

Joseph lay back on his mat and breathed a prayer, asking The Highest One for guidance and then also thanking him for sending this messenger to reinforce what Mary had said and give him some direction. Ultimately, he did fall asleep again. This time he was more tired but also beginning to feel a little more at ease so it was a much better sleep than how the night had begun. 

Mary – Ch. 4 – Decision

Joseph trudged home with the heaviest of hearts. Just when life was beginning to look like it was working out – this! The more he thought about it, the more his heart ached. Suddenly he found himself sobbing so hard he had to watch his footing through his tears. He wiped his eyes in the gathering darkness and stumbled on, downhill from Sepphoris and up and over the next hill to descend into Nazareth. Eventually, and he hardly knew how he did it, he arrived at his home.

He couldn’t hide his emotions when he arrived home which immediately prompted his parents to ask what was wrong. Between his tears and sobs he blurted out the whole story as he knew it, “Mary’s pregnant. Doesn’t that mean she broke our Law and will be severely punished?” Joseph could not bring himself to think of her being stoned to death, much less say it. But that could be the penalty under the Law handed down since Moses’ time. He would be the obvious culprit and maybe he would suffer the same punishment. Right now, Joseph could not see a way out of this dilemma.

Joseph’s father Jacob faced him and put both hands on his shoulders, “Joseph,” he said firmly, “Did you get Mary pregnant?”

“No, never” cried Joseph, wondering how his father could even think to accuse him of this.

“Joseph,” his father continued, still facing him squarely, “I did not think so but I had to hear you say it.” Indeed, Jacob had been quite sure he knew his son well enough to know what the answer was. Joseph was not a perfect young man but Jacob knew he had a strong faith and did his best to keep the law.

“Oh, there’s more,” Joseph spoke more strongly now, looking his father in the eyes, “Mary says this is of The Highest One. She said an angel, and she even named him Gabriel, came to her last night and told her this would happen. The angel said it would be of the Lord’s Spirit that she would become pregnant. How is that possible?”

Now Joseph really had both of his parents’ attention. “And did this angel say anything about why this would happen to Mary?” asked his mother Naomi.

“Well, yes.” Joseph was beginning to think more clearly now and recall more of the details, “The angel said the child should be called Jesus and that he would take the throne of David and reign forever.”

Joseph’s parents were stunned. What did all this mean. Could they believe it? 

“Joseph,” his father interjected, “I really don’t know what to say. If this is from The Highest One, we will see what comes of it sooner or later. “But for now, what do you think you should do?”

“I don’t know,” Joseph answered wearily, “I will pray to our God for wisdom. Maybe I can talk to Rabbi ben Levi and see what he would advise.”

“Not a bad idea,” said Jacob, “I think he would listen carefully and give good advice. I think you and I both know he is not one who always follows the letter of the old law. If he did, it might not be a good idea to talk to him just yet or you know what could happen and we don’t want to think about that.”

Jacob sighed deeply. Then, pulling himself up, he looked kindly at Joseph, “But son, you look like you need some sleep. Maybe the answer will come to you tomorrow, or when the Lord wills.”

Joseph did not know if he could wait that long but he knew he had enough for this day. He went off to bed, feeling like he was walking in a dream. Sleep did not come quickly though. As Joseph tried to sleep he kept thinking about it all. As was his habit when he was in such straits, Joseph tried to recall comforting words of scripture. Then, in his desperate straits, he poured his heart out in prayer to his God. It seemed to him the only thing he could do now was break off the engagement. How could he marry someone who was pregnant with – someone else’s? - child. But he did not want any harm to come to Mary. He did not want to get in trouble either. He would have to do this very quietly, just between his family and Mary and her family. That was the only honourable thing he could see doing – for now. People might still talk. After all, the engagement had not been a secret. Oh, there was just too much to consider. But at least he felt that he had come to some decision and with that sleep finally came.