Chapter 20 – Back to Nazareth at Last

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The young family stayed in Egypt for some time. As the days passed though, they prayed all the more earnestly for guidance as to when they should return to their homeland. Then, they received their answer.

The family had gone to sleep one night as usual. They had heard that King Herod had died but still they were uncertain. Then, Joseph became aware that he was again dreaming that an angel was speaking to him. This time he was less afraid than in the past. In fact, he was eager for the message, hoping it would be about going home. Sure enough, the angel spoke: “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead (Matthew 2:19-20).”

The reassuring message gave Joseph some peace and after reviewing the message and what they would now need to do, he fell asleep again. He did not think he needed to waken Mary to tell her now. When Mary woke in the morning though, he eagerly told her about his latest dream.

Mary was also glad for the news. They ate breakfast and Mary fed Jesus. Joseph again went to settle what he owed with the owner of their current home. He also found his employer, thanked him for the work he had and told him about their leaving. Joseph was a good worker and the man was sad to see him go but gave him his blessing and a small gift to help them on their way. The couple had sold their donkey some time after their arrival too, as they did not need it in the city and the extra money came in handy. Joseph knew the family he had sold it to still had it so he went to explain the circumstances and see if he could buy the donkey back. Sure enough, things worked out there too. All of this seemed to confirm to Joseph that they were making the right move.

So, later that morning, they set out (Matthew 2:21). They did not look forward to the long trek across the barren lands to Bethlehem but they did want to go home. When they reached Judea they met some of the citizens and talked over what had happened since they left. They heard the awful news of how Herod, intent on killing Jesus, Joseph knew, had sent and massacred all the children under age two. Mary was heartbroken when she heard this. It brought to her mind those troubling words of the prophet Simeon in the temple, the meaning of which she had never understood, but now began to catch a glimpse of, “This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected. Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul as well (Luke 2:34-5).” Her heart ached when she thought of all the families who would have lost their sons – she scarcely wanted to think of it – because of her son. She could not believe that was what Jehovah wanted, but that he, being The Highest One, would of course know what was going to happen. She certainly did not anticipate that someday this child in her arms would himself explain this troubling story to her.

And when they heard that Herod’s son Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, they began to be afraid to go there. The things they heard about him were no better than his father.  The night after receiving this news, while they were still travelling north along the sea, Joseph had another dream. He received a warning that confirmed their fears. After talking things over between them, they decided to go back to Galilee (Matthew 2:22). Eventually, they arrived back in Nazareth and lived there (Matthew 2:23). Again, they did not know it at the time, but this too was later shown to be a fulfilment of prophecy (Matthew 2:23).

Needless to see, Jacob and Naomi were overjoyed to see them back. It had been a long time. And what stories the young couple had to share! Naomi loved learning to be a grandmother to Jesus. He was the most delightful child she had ever known. As for Joseph and work, it turned out that the new king of Galilee, Herod Antipas, was on something of a building spree and, in fact, was trying to turn Sepphoris into an even more important centre. So, Joseph was fortunate in being able to go to work there again. It was not long either before Mary’s parents came from Jerusalem for a visit to be reunited with the couple and meet their grandson, of whom they had already heard so much even before he was born. Of course, they were also told the amazing stories Joseph and Mary had already shared with his parents. And they were as pleased as Joseph’s parents to see what a lovely child their grandson was turning out to be. They returned to Jerusalem confident that things were finally going well and all was still in Jehovah’s plans and he was no doubt working them out.

Chapter 18 – Settling in Bethlehem; More Surprise Visitors

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The family talked things over further over dinner and into the evening, recounting the unusual events of the past 10 months or so. Ultimately, they praised and thanked The Highest One for what he was doing and agreed they just had to leave things in the hands of Jehovah. They then all retired for the night at Benjamin and Hannah's home.

Next morning, Zechariah and Elizabeth bade the rest of them farewell and left with John for their home. Joseph and Mary then began to think about their own plans for returning to their home in Nazareth. They had not gone very far with that before there was a guest calling at the door for their uncle.

When Benjamin went to the door, an anxious-looking man bowed low before straightening up and saying that he had important but sad news to bring them. No one had been out of the home since they had returned from the Temple before so they had not heard or seen anything in the community.

The man related that a group of Galileans had revolted and attacked Sepphoris. As a result, Gov. Quirinius of Syria had sent in his troops and rather thoroughly demolished much of the residential area of the city. Needless to say, this was extremely distressing news for the family, especially Joseph and Mary.

Both of them anxiously demanded of the messenger whether he knew anything of the state of affairs with their parents. He went on to report that this was part of the reason for his appearance; he had been sent to reassure them that Joseph's parents were alright in Nazareth and Mary's parents had left the city as soon as the Galilean rebels head appeared, fearing the worst. They were temporarily staying with Jacob and Naomi but were planning to come back to Jerusalem. That was something of a relief to the young couple. Joseph was still concerned about his parents but the man indicated that things were quiet in Nazareth and it did not seem as if there would be any problems there. Benjamin thanked the man for his news and invited him in for some refreshments, considering the travel he had just undertaken.

This alarming news certainly changed thoughts about plans to return to Nazareth. After the man left, Uncle Benjamin and Aunt Hannah talked things over with Joseph and Mary. Their opinion was that the young couple might as well stay in Bethlehem for now, where they already had a place to live and from where Joseph was finding some work. The offered them to stay in Jerusalem to wait for the arrival of Mary's parents if they wished. However, the young couple decided they would like to return to their own home and would see about visiting with Mary's parents later.

So it was, that Mary and Joseph settled into life in Bethlehem and began to raise their precious son.  Mary's parents did relocate once again to Jerusalem, finding a place to live near the north end of the city and the Pool of Bethesda, where they had lived before. The young family were visited by the parents after their arrival in Jerusalem too. How glad they were to see them safe and sound and to hear again that Joseph's parents were alright.

Time passed, and things seem to be settling into a reasonably comfortable routine.  In spite of the number of unusual events that Joseph and Mary had been privy to over the last year and more, something that happened next was still totally unexpected. The young family was settling in for the night one evening when there was a big commotion outside their door. Suddenly a voice with an unfamiliar accent asked if this was the home of Joseph and Mary and the child who was to be king! Joseph and Mary looked at each other, panic rising in their hearts. Joseph hesitated, but then motioned for Mary and the baby to stay back and went to the door.

There to his amazed eyes he saw a retinue of ornately decorated camels with richly dressed riders perched atop them. There were several other men milling about, holding the reins of the camels, whom Joseph judged to be the servants of the riders. The man at the door asked again, “Is there a new baby boy here?” Pointing up at the sky he went on, “See that star?” 

Joseph followed the man’s finger straight overhead. Well, yes, he had noticed that star on previous evenings, and also that it seemed to move over time, but had not paid it much attention. The man went on, “These men,” gesturing towards the camel riders, “are a group of men who study the significance of heavenly bodies. They believe this star indicates the birth of a great king. Therefore, they have set out from their homeland far east of here to come and find this king. They followed the star to your country. Naturally, we then went to the palace of your king, as where else would you expect a future king to be born (Matthew 2:1-2)?”

By this time some of the men were dismounting the camels and beginning to remove packages from the camels’ saddlebags. The spokesperson continued, “We got an audience with your King Herod. He had to call in your seers to find out what this was all about. They told him that in your religion’s holy writing a prophet once wrote that someday a child will be born in Bethlehem who will become king of the Jews. With that information we left Jerusalem and continued to follow the star and it did indeed lead us here. So, where is this baby (Matthew 2:3-6)?”

Joseph really did not know what else to do at that point in the face of this group but welcome these guests and show them in. He apologized for the humbleness of their abode, conscious of their own low place in society, but the guests were only interested in seeing the child. 

By now the distinguished-looking guests with their packages had assembled about Joseph and their spokesperson and all crowded in behind him when he turned to enter his home.

When their eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, illuminated only by the flickering light of an olive oil lamp, the men saw Mary in the back with the baby Jesus in her arms. They dropped to their knees, placing their bags beside them and fell forward, faces to the ground in obeisance to the one they believed would become a great king. Having completed that part of their homage they then, in turn, began to open their boxes of gifts and offer them to the family (Matthew 2:11). 

Mary gasped – gold, frankincense and myrrh! “Oh, but we can’t accept these,” she protested, reaching out one arm to indicate the gifts, “for what is this honour?” 

The men bowed again and then explained what they had already told Joseph outside. Mary hardly knew what to say. By now Joseph was at her side, listening again to the report of the visitors from the East. 

As the guests stood up to leave, one of them said in the best Aramaic he could muster, “Our mission is accomplished. We have seen the future king the star told us about. Now, your king has instructed us to let him know where we found the baby so he too can come and pay homage to this future great king.” Joseph and Mary both felt their chests tighten with that news. Did these men not know their king? Could he be trusted? But what could they say to these men?  Indeed, the men were bowing once more and again blessing the family and child. Joseph bowed in return and blessed them in return, wishing them a safe journey back. Both Joseph and Mary then thanked them sincerely for the gifts. Joseph also followed them out to bid them further farewell.

Mary’s story – Ch. 14 On the Road Again

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When Joseph stepped out to go to work one morning some months later, he saw some Roman soldiers posting a notice at the market. He wondered what it was about but did not want to approach the site while the soldiers were there. Instead, he turned and continued on to Sepphoris. When he got there, he stopped in at Joachim’s home to see if he was still there. He wanted to ask him if he knew what was going on. 

Joachim was still home and after exchanging greetings Joseph asked about the activity he had seen.

“Oh, that,” said Joachim, “Yes, seems the Roman Governor Quirinius from Damascus wants a census. They made a big to-do about it with an official proclamation at the market yesterday. We men all had to go and listen. No doubt checking to see whether they are getting the taxes they want. Taxes, taxes, taxes, that’s all they want. But what do we get? H-m-m-ph!” he snorted, “Usually nothing.” 

“Will this have much effect on us?” Joseph asked. 

“Well, yes, come to think of it. Our families still have rights to some land around Bethlehem. Rights that go back to King David’s time. Most of his descendants, like so many of our people, have been wiped out over the years. So, with the small lineage we have left, we are still privileged to have land claims there. Although it’s not much of a privilege when you consider we will have to go there at the census time to verify our claims there. We’ll have to make some plans to look after that when the time comes. Meanwhile, son,” Joachim said laying his hand on Joseph’s shoulder, “We’ve got a day’s work ahead of us.”

When he got home from Sepphoris that evening, Joseph asked his father about this business of land in Judea and having to go there at the census time. After thinking about it for some time, Jacob said, “Joseph, you are younger than I am. You know I can’t walk well for great distances. Why don’t you go on our family’s behalf. And take Mary with you to represent her family. She’s a woman but our Law has precedent that women can attest to their rights too. Especially if we give you proper documentation to take with you about that. You will be alright. You know the way. And it’s about time you pay a visit to that new relative in Zechariah and Elizabeth’s family and bring them a token of our well wishes.”

Mary, who had been listening to the conversation from the side, brightened up at that prospect. “Oh, father, do you think it would be alright for me to go and see Aunt Elizabeth and the new baby? That would be wonderful.”

Jacob replied, “Yes, it would be good, but we have to be careful. You are coming near to the time of having your own son. We don’t want to put you and this holy child you are carrying at risk. I will see again about hiring a donkey for you to ride on so we can do our best to ease your travel.”

“Oh father,” Mary replied, “that would be wonderful.”

The following evening at dinner Jacob sighed and began to speak, “I have tried all day to find a donkey for you to use Mary.  It seems with all this traveling to complete the census, there isn’t a donkey nearby available. Maybe we’ll have to rethink our travel plans for you and Joseph.”

Mary straitened up and looked at her father, then her mother, “Father, mother, I want to go, even if I have to walk. The Highest One who has cared for us so far will look after us even if we are walking.”

Jacob and Naomi glanced at each other. Both thought of how well things had turned out for the couple so far, despite their many earlier anxieties. Jacob spoke, slowly, “Mary, I believe you are right. We don’t want to tempt fate, but you are a servant of one who is higher than any other power.” Jacob also recalled a certain prophecy about the Messiah being born in Bethlehem but he did not want to bring that up. Then they would all be more anxious, thinking about the possibility of Mary giving birth away from family and home. 

So it was that arrangements were completed and a few days later found Joseph and Mary retracing the steps they had taken only some 8 months before. The plan was to complete the business in Bethlehem, then stop off at the relatives in Jerusalem to give their greetings before going on for a brief visit with Zechariah and Elizabeth and their newborn son.

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. 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. 1 - Engagement

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

Mary walked into her home and set down the jug of water she had brought from the well. No one else was in the house so she assumed her mother Anna had gone to the market. She knew her father Joachim would be busy with his work. Quietly she slipped back out and quickly strode up the street toward the top of the hill. 

Ever since her parents had sat her down and told her they thought they had found a husband for her she had been restless.  It wasn’t the unease of wanting to find out the unknown, although there was an element of that. Her parents had told her they thought they had found a good match in a young man her father sometimes got work for among the citizens of Sepphoris. He had skills as a builder and that was a trade much in demand in the city. 

Mary had seen the young man when he had come looking for her father to inquire about a job prospect or to get directions to a waiting employer. He was a good enough looking fellow and Mary’s parents had told her was also a very devout Jew. That was important to Mary as her parents had also instilled in her a great love of their religion and the history of her people.

Now they had gone and completed the engagement arrangements and Mary knew they would soon be living together. She could hardly wait.

But Joseph, the man who had so recently entered Mary’s dreams, lived in Nazareth. Mary had seen Nazareth before; after all, it was only a few miles to the southeast across the valley. However, she had never really paid it any attention. No one much did. It really wasn’t known for anything.

As Mary’s mind played over the thoughts she had been entertaining ever since their engagement, she reached the top of the hill and slowly walked down the eastern slope to the edge of the city where the hill dropped away into the valley. She stood and gazed across the valley. Actually, one really could not see the buildings of the village, but even knowing they were just over the brow of the hill was enough. Her heart quickened as she thought that beyond the forest across from her might someday be her home.

Even though people often spoke derisively about Nazareth, Mary harboured no ill will towards it. She was a young woman who had learned to accept her lot in life and be satisfied with whatever Jehovah laid out for her. If she was to marry Joseph and move to Nazareth, she knew it would be alright. In fact, she might even like it better.

Sepphoris sometimes seemed like too worldly a place for Mary. There was so much that went on there that was really contrary to her faith as she understood it from her parents. Indeed, if it was not for the good job her father had gotten here, her parents had said they would never have moved here. They had come from Jerusalem just before she was born. Her father had become well enough known in his business that his reputation had landed him a job in this growing city. But her parents often talked about how the citizens of Sepphori often seemed like they were becoming too much like the Greeks and those unwelcome Romans. Furthermore, there was also hushed talk that she sometimes caught snatches of that suggested there was a growing unrest amongst some of the Jews. Mary’s parents sometimes seemed worried that some of the hot-headed Galileans who talked like this were going to cause them all trouble.  However, every day they simply prayed to Jehovah for his protection and provision and trusted that he would look after them.

Mary sighed and turned back towards home. When she entered her mother asked, “Where have you been child?” 

“I went for a little walk,” Mary replied. Never being one to hide the truth, she added shyly, “I went to the top of the hill to look at Nazareth.”

“Ah, child,” her mother responded, “If our prayers are answered, that will be your home soon enough. And to tell the truth, I will be glad for you to be away from this city. It’s not really a place I want to see my grandchildren grow up in. Of course, your father and I will miss you, but you won’t be far away.” 

“Come, help me prepare dinner. Your father will be home soon.” 

The evening flew by as Mary helped her mother, then joined her parents for dinner. Mary sometimes felt she was more blessed than others of her age. Since she was the only child, she got to eat with her father and mother both. In larger families, the males got served first, then the women got to eat. But Mary enjoyed the opportunity to talk with both of her parents. It was one way she got to learn things, as, being a girl, she could not go to the synagogue school.

After the meal was done and everything cleaned up, Anna said, “Come Mary, let’s start to take a look at what we have that will go into your dowry.”

Mary felt her pulse quicken again. She pinched herself mentally. Was this really happening to her?

That evening, as she said her prayers before lying down for the night, Mary thought her heart would burst. She had so much to be thankful for. She just felt so blessed.