NOTE: THESE CHAPTERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN A MUCH IMPROVED, EXPANDED BOOK, "A SWORD SHALL PIERCE YOUR SOUL" from FriesenPress
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.
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