The Story of Mary: Catholic Version: II Another Special Birth – Chapter 17 Staying in the Temple

When the Passover Festival came to a close, the family from Nazareth prepared to return. They all said their farewells to their Jerusalem family, Joachim and Anna and their relatives form Ein Kerem, Elizabeth and John, and set out. The streets were full of people and it was hard to keep together. Joseph and Mary had all they could do to keep their family together. At the same time, they knew the older children, having made this trip often enough before, knew their way back. As for Jesus, they had already seen him joining some friends so knew he was in good company.

When they passed beyond Jerusalem and joined the throngs of pilgrims heading east, they still assumed Jesus was with his friends or siblings somewhere in the crowd. However, when they got to their first night stop and Jesus was nowhere in sight, they did begin to feel some concern. They searched the area where they were staying and asked many fellow travellers if they had seen Jesus or the older children. Of course, they had to provide a description but it was still all to no avail; there were dozens of young people on the road. They did find the older children but not Jesus. They decided they had no option but to return to Jerusalem next morning to find him.

They went straight to Joachim and Anna’s but he had not returned there. Now they were even more concerned, and so were Jesus’ grandparents. This was not like Jesus, to do things without telling them. Mary’s parents and the other children joined Joseph and Mary in the search as much as they could. It wasn’t until the third day of searching they found him. Some citizens had told them they had seen a boy in the temple for the last couple of days surrounded by rabbis who all seemed to be taking a keen interest in the boy.

Joseph and Mary left their older children with their grandparents and went to the temple. Sure enough, there was Jesus, surrounded by rabbis, scribes, and even some Pharisees and members of the Sanhedrin. Joseph and Mary were not sure what they should do in the face of this august gathering. They indicated to some of the men in the outer circles that this was their son and they needed to take him home to Galilee from the passover feast. Some said, “Well, then you must simply inform these men and claim your son.” The group was so intent on their discussion they hardly noticed Joseph then trying as respectfully as possible to push his way in until he was right behind Jesus. Mary was right behind him. Some in the circle started to look at who this was intruding but before anyone could say anything to them Mary had reached Jesus and, touching him on the shoulder and said, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety (Luke 2:48).”

Jesus looked up at her, almost too innocently, and placed his hand over hers, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my father’s house (Luke 2:49)?”

“I’m not sure what you mean by that,” Joseph interjected, “But can you come home with us now?” 

The learned men around them murmured approvingly and some of them said to Jesus, “Yes, now you must obey your parents and return home with them.” Turning to his parents they said, ‘This boy is unbelievably knowledgeable and mature. Take care of him. See to it that he gets the best schooling you can afford. I am sure we will hear more of him.”

The three from Nazareth bowed and thanked the men for their interest and their praise as they backed away from them, with Mary grasping Jesus’ hand tightly in hers. Then, Joseph, Mary and Jesus turned and made their way to her parents to collect the other children and explain what had happened. Joachim reprimanded Jesus gently for the worry he had caused them all and Jesus apologized. He seemed genuinely sorry for the anxiety he had caused but at the same time did not suggest he had really been doing anything wrong in what it was he was doing. Mary noted this change with some concern.

Just the same, they said farewells once again and started over on their return trip to Nazareth. This time jesus’ parents made sure they kept Jesus near and he obliged. He seemed quite happy to be travelling back with his parents and brothers and sisters. Eventually, they all reached home together. 

Mary kept pondering over the strange things that had happened in her life, not the least being this last action of Jesus himself. She still did not know what to make of it all. Nor did she know where it was really leading. However, things settled down again. 

Jesus was enrolled in the advanced synagogue school for promising boys. He loved this and delighted in coming home and sharing with his parents what he was learning form the scriptures. They, in turn, were amazed at what he gained from them, how he seemed to speak of what he read with such authority. He also often seemed to see things in the law, the prophets especially, and wisdom literature that no one else did. He started at the same time to learn to help his father in his trade and Joseph noted that he was a quick learner and did very good work. He soon became a real asset to his father’s business. This made him proud of this unusual son. All told, Jesus continued to grow and seemed to become unusually wise for a boy his age. However, no unusual or unacceptable behaviour followed for quite some time.

The Story of Mary: Catholic Version:II Another Special Birth - Chapter 16 First Passover in Jerusalem

Life seemed to pass uneventfully for a number of years after the adventures of the first years of Jesus’ life. Joseph continued his work as a builder. Jesus was well received by his older siblings, James, Joseph, Jude, Simon and sisters Hannah and Elizabeth (Mark 6:3). 

When Jesus came of age his father enrolled him in the local synagogue school. There, Jesus began to hear even more of the scriptures than if he just went to synagogue with his father. He also learned to read and write Aramaic at an elementary level. 

Jesus was a promising student who most definitely impressed his teachers. This made his parents proud of him. It also meant that when he approached his twelfth birthday, his teachers and other friends who knew the family well began to tell Joseph and Mary that they should enrol Jesus in school beyond age 12. Only the better students were known to be given such opportunities. Friends and neighbours might not have understood, but to Joseph and Mary, all of this did not come as a complete surprise. If Jesus was a special child of God, destined for a future role as the angels had told them years earlier, it should not be surprising that he learned these things so well.

Coming of age at his twelfth birthday also meant Jesus was eligible to celebrate Passover with his parents in Jerusalem. Given Jesus’ history as they knew it, Joseph and Mary were both agreed this was something they should certainly arrange. This it was that Jesus travelled to Jerusalem with his parents in the spring of his 12^thyear. They joined an ever-growing crowd of other pilgrims bound for the same destination as they would their way southeast through Galilee and then alongside Samaria until they came to Jericho. Jesus listened to the stories he heard from his peers and his elders about the Samaritans they bypassed, but he did not join in the negative remarks that were made. Leaving Jericho he heard stories about the dangers of that leg of the journey up to Jerusalem. By this time though, the pilgrims were a steady throng of celebrants, singing together and to one another the psalms customarily sung at this time on this road when en route to the temple. Jesus had learned the songs in school and synagogue too and loved to join in as best he could. 

Jesus could feel the excitement build as the wayfarers neared Jerusalem. Passing through Bethany they crested the peak of Olivet and there lay the city and the temple, gleaming in the sun.  Jesus wondered whether the emotions that ran through him as he surveyed the scene before them were shared by his fellow travellers.  He was not filled with any sense of being superior to his peers and their parents but he felt a certain calm, growing conviction that no one else, certainly not anyone his age, understood the significance of all of this as well as he did. As they continued down and across the valley Jesus thought over the rituals and the offerings and sacrifices they were soon to take part in. 

Of course, it would all begin with a passover meal. He looked forward to this, which would take place at his grandparents Joachim and Anna’s home. That was their first destination. By this time he and his siblings had joined a number of his peers on the way and they enjoyed lifting their voices and singing the psalms as loudly as they could. As they approached the gate into the city before them the group began to disband as Jesus and his siblings and friends began to look for their parents. Eventually they spotted them and waited for them to catch up with him. 

“We were wondering whether you were going to get lost,” their father half-teased. 

“Oh, I think our son knows where he belongs,” Mary opined. 

Jesus face was beaming as he joined his parents as they made their way to his grandparents. Joyous greetings and blessings were exchanged on arrival. Jesus’ grandfather took pride in explaining to him what the procedure was going to be for celebrating the passover. Having made sure Jesus knew what it was about, he was invited to join in the preparations. Joachim had already purchased a lamb for the feast; it was tied to an iron ring in the gate to their courtyard. Jesus looked at it with a deep sense of wonder, this animal who was going to be sacrificed to take the place of the firstborn son, according to the ancient Exodus story.

When it came time to slaughter the lamb, Jesus was amazed at how willingly the lamb went with his father and grandfather, having no idea what was in store for it. It made no sound of protest and suddenly its blood was spilled on the ground and its life was taken from it. In no time it was skinned, cut up and roasting on the spit prepared over the home fire. As the family gathered for the meal, Joachim led them all through the repetition of the stories and then the prayers that his people had developed over the years as the celebration of the passover meal. Jesus drank it all in, enjoying his growing understanding, seeing how it all fit together in fulfilment of longheld understandings of the occasion. He was learning so much. 

The Story of Mary: Catholic Version:II Another Special Birth - Ch. 15 Back to Nazareth at Last

The 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 and the children 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 family 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 King Herod, intent on killing Jesus, Joseph knew, had sent and massacred all the children in the area under age two. He had even pursued Mary’s Aunt Elizabeth and her son John but they had fled to the hills and were saved. In his rage though, when Herod could not find John, thinking he might be the potential king, he had ordered his father Zacharias to be killed for not disclosing where John was. 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 settled once again in their home 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 family 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 and did not have to travel so far and be away from his family as much as in the past. 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.

The Story of Mary: Catholic Version:II Another Special Birth - Ch. 14 Still More Travel

After the men had saddled their camels again and turned to leave, Joseph turned back into his home. “Joseph,” Mary said, looking up at him as he approached her, “What do we make of all this? Isn’t The Highest One amazing? He sends angels, shepherds, Simeon and Anna in the temple, and now these travellers. But what do these gifts mean? Gold makes sense for a king. We can always use it. And I suppose frankincense fits in with worship and offering respect. But myrrh?” Mary did not even want to voice it but all she could think of was that this was something sometimes used to embalm the bodies of the dead. But these men knew they had come to worship a newborn. So why bring something that seemed to have to do with death? There was still so much she did not fully understand.

But then Mary remembered something else the men had said and piped up, “Do you remember what else they said? It is written in the prophets that the Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem! I did not remember that prediction. So, our having to come to Bethlehem seems now to be part of God’s plan! Isn’t our Lord wonderful? Who knows what might have happened to us if we had been back in Galilee? Surely, Jehovah is reinforcing with us what we have been chosen for - and who this little one is,” she added, looking fondly down at her son. “But then she looked up again with an expression of grave concern, “But now King Herod knows there is a special baby here. Someone we keep being told is destined to be the Messiah, our saviour and ruler. Are we safe?”

Joseph sighed as he lowered himself down beside her, “I just don’t know, Mary, our life certainly seems to be out of our control, doesn’t it? We have been told who this child that was given us is, but we have no instructions as to how to raise him safely or what we are to look for to help him grow up to fulfil the purpose he is born for.”

“Well,” Mary responded with quiet resolution, “we have been told much already. We must just wait on Jehovah and he will surely tell us what we need to know in his time. Now, we need to sleep.”

They drifted off to sleep when Joseph had a feeling he thought he had experienced before. Indeed, he seemed to be surrounded by brilliant light and there at his feet stood an angel again! “Joseph,” the angel was speaking softly but urgently, “Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to look for the child to kill him (Matthew 2:13). I warned the wise men from the east in a dream not to return to Herod so now he is going to be enraged and come after you (Matthew 2:12)!”

Joseph shot up from his cloak. He blinked, again – all was dark and still. It was another dream. But what the angel said confirmed their worst fears. They were not safe before King Herod.

“Mary, Mary,” he called, grabbing her arms and shaking her awake.

“What, what, what is it,” she asked, troubled by the alarm in his voice.

“An angel just came to me in a dream again. He told me we have to flee to Egypt – now – because King Herod is going to come and look for our son to kill him!”

“Oh, no,” Mary cried, “what shall we do? What about our families?”

“We will just have to send word to them later,” said Joseph. “We have to go now though. We have no choice. Do you think I would choose to do something like this?” He was gathering up the gifts and beginning to wrap them up in their blanket. Mary moved to let him finish and began to gather some things together to take along to eat. 

“Mary,” Joseph said, “You feed the children and I will go and pay our landlord what we owe in rent and buy one of his donkeys. We will need it for the trip. I will explain as much as I need to but of course I will not say where we are going. We can’t let Herod find that out.” With that, Joseph vanished into the darkness.

It wasn’t long before he was back. “The Highest One was with us,” he said, “I got the donkey with no problem and not too many questions. And since he knows your parents, I asked him to send word to them that we had to leave but would communicate with them later, to tell them that we are doing what The Highest One is telling us to do. Let’s get ready and go.”

Joseph helped Mary and Jesus on to the donkey and slung all their possessions over its back. Talking Mary’s hand in his he raised his eyes to the dark sky and quickly sent up a plea to the Lord for wisdom, guidance and safety on this journey they believed he had sent them on. Then, grabbing his walking stick, he began to lead them all down the road and out of the town. They were tired but fueled by fear, and with the growing conviction that Jehovah was with them, they made sure they were well out of the region of Bethlehem before they stopped by the side of the road to get some sleep. 

The sun was already up when they woke next morning. Joseph quickly helped Mary and Jesus back on to the donkey with their possessions and the rest of them began trudging on foot towards Egypt. Now, of course, this was somewhere they had never been before. However, Joseph knew that if they continued on this road to the sea they would find their way to Egypt. 

At the same time, Joseph especially was concerned for his family back in Nazareth. At one travel stop they met another traveler heading past Nazareth on his way to Syria. He agreed to take a message to Joseph’s family, so that was a relief. Joseph could not say exactly where they were as they could not trust that King Herod might not pursue them. However, Joseph promised the message-bearer that he would send further word to his family when things were more settled.

“Joseph,” Mary asked eventually, where in Egypt will we stay?”

“I really don’t know,” Joseph replied. “However, I do know there are many Jews in Alexandria. Maybe we will find a welcome there. It is on the sea so it should be easy enough to get to. And,” he added, looking back at their things, “we have those gifts that should come in handy to help us get established there until it is safe to return to Judea.” Of course, Joseph had no idea how far it was, but he would find his way.

Eventually, some two weeks later, they knew from fellow travellers they had met by that time and were sharing the road with, they were approaching Alexandria. They could see buildings appearing on the horizon. Far to the right they could see a large intriguing structure that they would later learn was a famous landmark of the city – its magnificent lighthouse.

They made their way into the city and after a number of inquiries found a place in which they could stay. They were relieved with that. Finally, they could settle down again, at least for a while.

The family did not take long to establish connections with the Jewish community. Mary made some friends as did the children and Joseph was able to get some work. Somehow, the Lord always seemed to be looking out for them. They could not help but conclude that it had something – everything? – to do with the precious child they bore.

Joseph was invited by one of his associates to go with him to synagogue one Sabbath Day. It was a much larger and more grand structure than any synagogue he had ever seen before. They found a place to stand among their fellow-worshippers and the service began. His friend alerted him to the fact that some of the service and reading would be in Greek. At first this somewhat surprised Joseph – worshipping their Jehovah in a foreign, a Gentile tongue. But then he remembered that he had heard that in Alexandria where the scriptures had already been translated to Greek because so many people used that language. 

So, it was not surprising then that Joseph found he could not understand a lot of what was going on. But his ears perked up when he heard the leader begin to read passages in Aramaic from the prophets, and particularly when - and he could hardly believe his ears - he heard the words, “out of Egypt I have called my son (Hosea 11:1).” He could hardly wait to get home to share this with Mary.

“Mary, Mary,” Joseph called when he got home, “Let me tell you what I heard at synagogue today! The prophet said Jehovah called his son out of Egypt.”

“See,” Mary said, “What did I say, if that is referring to our son, God is working his plans out, because here we are. And, even better, it reassures us we will not always be here. Out of Egypt The Highest One calls his son,” she repeated. “Now we just have to wait to see when that day will be.”

The Story of Mary: Catholic Version:II Another Special Birth - Ch. 13 More Surprise Visitors

(Based on Gospel of James 21 and Matthew 2)

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. Joseph was naturally 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. Joseph took some comfort form those words. 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 their thoughts about plans to return to Nazareth though. After the man left, Mary’s parents and her Uncle Benjamin and Aunt Hannah talked things over with Joseph and Mary. The consensus was that the family might as well stay in Bethlehem for now, where they already had a place to live and from where Joseph was finding some work. 

So it was, that Mary and Joseph settled into life in Bethlehem and began to raise their precious son.  Time passed, and things seem to be settling into a reasonably comfortable routine. Despite 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 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. We asked him ‘Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him.’ He had to call in your seers to find out what this was all about. He asked priests and others, ‘How is it written about the Christ? Where is He to be born?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. Then the king questioned us, ‘What sign have you seen in reference to the king that has been born?’ We told him that we had seen a star of great size shining among the other stars, and obscuring their light, so that the other stars did not appear; and we thus knewthat a king has been born to Israel, and we have come to worship him.’ ThenHerodsaid: ‘Go and seek him; and if you find him, let me know, in order that I also may go and worship him.’ With that information, we left Jerusalem and continued to follow the star and it did indeed lead us here. The star which we had seen in the east went before us until we came to this cave, and then it stood right over the top of the cave. 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 (Matthew 2:8).” 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. Just before they turned and left, the spokesperson again spoke and told Joseph, “Oh, after we left Jerusalem, we had paused for a rest. Even in that short time, one of our party had a vision warning us not to go back to your king to tell him of our findings. So, we are returning home via a different route.”

“Oh, thank you , thank you,” Joseph responded fervently, “Thank you so much.” However, the young couple only took so much reassurance from that last word. They still knew their king and what could happen.

The Story of Mary: Catholic Version:II Another Special Birth - Ch. 12 In the Temple

Between the efforts of their ‘innkeeper’ and Joseph’s own work, the family soon found a better place to stay. They were able to get their own room with another family. They needed to stay and complete their family land business and then register for the census. 

Then they began to think about their original plans of visiting Mary’s family in Jerusalem and her aunt and uncle with their newborn in Ein Kerem. Joseph had some money he had saved to help keep them going but that wasn’t going to last long. Fortunately, he also managed to find a couple of odd jobs to earn some more. On the 6^thday after Jesus’ birth they then did make their way into Jerusalem to Mary’s Uncle Benjamin and Aunt Hannah’s there. They were enthusiastically welcomed and their hosts were happy to see that all had gone well despite the seemingly untimely birth. 

Then Mary’s relatives had an idea: since they were in Jerusalem, why not take Jesus to the temple for his presentation as a firstborn male, his circumcision, naming ceremony and Mary’s purification. If they had not been here it would have been done with family and elders in Nazareth, but that was far away. Mary and Joseph talked it over with them and thought that would be a good idea. Their hosts also then sent word out to Ein Kerem and made preparations for Zechariah, Elizabeth and little John to come to join them all in Jerusalem, “That way, you don’t have to travel so much,” Aunt Hannah said, “You’ve had your share of adventure for now.”

That evening when they were alone for the night, Mary said to Joseph, “I think it is most wonderful and appropriate for Jesus to be presented at the temple. If he is of God through his Spirit, he is not ours. We do need to show that we do give him to The Highest One for whatever His purposes are for him. If he is going to be our king and saviour, the Messiah, we should do the best we can for him in these matters. We should do what is right according to The Law.” Joseph was amazed again at Mary’s knowledge in these matters and her strong faith but had to concede that she had some good points there. This trip was indeed turning into something far beyond what they could have ever anticipated.

The next day little John and his parents arrived. What a joyful reunion that was. Mary could not help looking at the little boy before her and wonder what it had meant when the angel had told Zechariah that John was going to prepare the way of the Lord. How would their two sons’ paths be connected in the future? Only God knew at this time. When she had some time with Elizabeth alone she learned that she and Zechariah had the same questions. Like her and her family though, they tended to keep all this somewhat quiet. It was never a good idea to say too much about these matters aloud in the political climate of the day. King Herod was known to be terribly paranoid about any threats to the throne and the Romans – well, they did not tolerate any threats of what they would surely see as revolt against them.

On the eighth day, Joseph having purchased the required offering as a substitute for their firstborn and for purification, he and Mary went up to the temple, accompanied by their relatives (Luke 2:22-4). They approached the priests at the periphery of the temple and were assured their offering was acceptable. They left it with the priests and received the appropriate blessing for having offered this for their firstborn son. Then they were directed to a side chamber of the temple where Jesus was circumcised. Mary could not bear to look when she saw the priest take his sharp knife and begin to unwrap Jesus’ garments. A sharp cry told her it was over and she turned to gather Jesus tightly into her comforting arms as the priest completed wrapping his newly shorn organ in a poultice and dressing. 

When the priest asked about the name of the child to be blessed, Mary repeated again, "Jesus." The priest did not seem perturbed by this and pronounced his blessing on them, laying his hands on Jesus' head, and then told them they had accomplished all that was required and were free to go. 

They were barely backwithin the courts of the temple when an elderly man appeared crying out with a could voice. He almost raced toward the bewildered family. Before they knew what was happening he had taken Jesus out of Mary’s arms and holding him up toward heaven cried, “Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light, for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:27-32).”

Everyone was stunned (Luke 2:33). A small crowd was starting to gather and the family was beginning to feel a bit vulnerable. But the old man was not finished. After finishing his praise to God and blessing him for keeping his promises that he would not die before he had “seen the Lord’s Messiah (Luke 2:25-26),” he turned to bless the young couple and child. Then, placing little Jesus firmly back in Mary’s arms, He gripped her arms and almost piercing her soul with his gaze, declared, “Listen carefully: 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, because of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul as well (Luke 2:34-5)!” 

Then Simeon turned and strode back through the crowd, continuing to praise The Highest One as he went. Mary could not but help thinking how this was so like what had happened with the shepherds a few days earlier. What was in store for them she could not imagine. She held Jesus even more tightly and leaned towards her relatives and asked, “Who was that?”

“Ah,” said Uncle Benjamin, “that is Simeon. He has been hanging around the temple for as long as anyone can remember. He is forever talking about “the restoration of Israel (Luke 2:25).”

“Indeed,” chimed in Uncle Zechariah, perhaps a little more graciously, “He is known to be a righteous and devout man. The Spirit of the Lord has been speaking to him – especially about the coming of this child,” he said, nodding towards Jesus.

“Well,” replied Uncle Benjamin, “You have all been telling me about these strange and special visitations around the birth of these boys. It seems to grow stranger all the time. Who can tell us what this all really means?

The words were barely out of his mouth when a wizened elderly woman whom they had hardly noticed join them leaned into Jesus’ face and then, turning her eyes to heaven, raised her arms, her face simply glowing, and began to “give thanks to God (Luke 2:38).” She kept on blessing the child and family and praising God before them all. With a final gesture of grasping Jesus’ face in her hands and planting a kiss on his forehead she turned back into the crowd. As she walked off, they heard her speak about the child, saying that they prayers of all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem were about to be answered (Luke 2:38).

By this time, the family was getting a little anxious. Not wanting to attract any more attention, never knowing where that could lead, they quickly made their way to the outer courtyard. As they went, Mary asked her uncles, “And who was that lady?”

“That,” began Uncle Benjamin, “is Anna. She is known as a prophetess, and is a childless widow.”

“Yes,” added Uncle Zechariah again, “she practically never leaves the temple, but spends all her days here in worship with fasting and prayer, even at night (Luke 2:36-7).”  

The family walked most of the rest of the way back to Uncle Benjamin’s in silence. They were all feeling more than a little overcome by what had just transpired and needed time to collect their thoughts.

The Story of Mary: Catholic Version:II Another Special Birth - Ch. 11 Special Visitors

“Mary,” her midwife helper said, “here is your son. Now you need to learn to feed him.” She kneeled next to Mary and helped her rearrange her garments so her breasts were accessible and positioned the baby in Mary’s arms with his cheek against Mary’s breast. Immediately the child began looking for her nipple and in no time latched on and began to suck. When it seemed he was satisfied and looked as if he were falling asleep, Mary looked about for a place for him.

“Here,” said Rachel, indicating the manger, “This will be perfect. We’ll make sure the animals are kept away for now.”

Mary tenderly laid the newborn, now wrapped tightly in layers of cloth, in the manger and knelt at the side of the manger, gazing in wonder at the sleeping infant. Joseph came and knelt by her side and also looked wonderingly at the child.

“So,” Rachel asked, “Has this baby been assigned a name?” Traditionally, naming was a significant rite shared by the family. “You two seem to be all alone here. How will you name this baby? Or do you know what its name is to be?”

“Jesus,” offered Joseph.

“Yes?” Rachel looked inquiringly at Mary.

“Yes,” responded Mary.

“Saviour –” Rachel said, “unusual, but an honourable name. Well, when he is circumcised you can decide for sure.”  

Suddenly the tranquility of the moment was broken by a commotion outside the home. Before Salmon and Rachel had time to see what was going on a swarm of shepherds invaded their space. Caught up in the press, Joseph’s other children had also returned to the cave with these intruders. The visitors seemed all excited about something and kept talking about blinding light, angels and singing in the night sky. They all suddenly became subdued when they saw the baby in the manger and dropped to their knees, bowing face to the ground, loudly praising The Highest One.

By this time, Salmon had appeared and between himself and Rachel tried to bring some order to the scene. “What is going on here?” Salmon bellowed.

One of the older shepherds, probably their chief, stood up and bowed in the direction of the four, “Sirs, ladies, we beg your pardon. We were tending our sheep and suddenly the sky was ablaze with light and we saw an angel descend in front of us. We were all paralyzed with fear, naturally. Wouldn’t you be? But this angel told us, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: 2:11Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. 2:12This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger (Luke 2:8-12).”

“So, we came looking in the town for where a baby had been born and some people knew a very pregnant woman had come here last evening so here we are (Luke 2:15)!”

“And here is this baby in a manger, just as the angel said. It’s a miracle!” the shepherd dropped to his knees with his comrades again.Turning back, he raised his arms wide and said, 2:13“Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 2:14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased (Luke 2:13-14)!”

Salmon and Rachel were speechless, ‘What was going on?’ 

Then the shepherds all tried to repeat the story to them and others who had heard the noise and were beginning to gather outside and peer into the door. They kept on praising Jehovah and finally, turning with one last bow to the astonished foursome, vanished into the night, calling out continued praise as they went. 

Salmon and Rachel turned back to Joseph and Mary, “This is unbelievable; I don’t know what to make of this,” Rachel exclaimed, “What do you make of it? This baby, the Messiah, the Saviour? Indeed, you did say his name was going to be Jesus.”

“Yes, yes, we did,” Mary said quietly. 

“I don’t know,” interjected Salmon, “It just doesn’t seem to make sense. But hey,” he said, gesturing towards Rachel, “these poor folks have had quite a day. I’m sure they need a rest.” Waving his arm around the dark chamber he added, “Sorry again about the lodgings. We can take care of business in the morning and try to find you some better lodgings.”

“Oh, thank you,” replied Joseph and Mary, almost in unison, “How can we ever thank you for all you’ve done. Our Jehovah will surely bless you for your kindness.”

“Oh,” protested Salmon, “We really have not done anything much worthy of blessing. Shalom to you!”  

“We will bring back more oil for the lamp,” said Rachel, “You will need a little light to get your bearings when the baby is hungry again. And I will bring some water to drink too. You must be thirsty after all that.”

Suddenly, Joseph and Mary realized they too were hungry. When the hosts had gone, they unwrapped the last of their food and the family ate it before Rachel reappeared with more oil for the lamp and the promised water. They thanked her and drank some to quench their thirst before lying down together, exhausted, on the straw next to the manger. It wasn’t long before the children were asleep and eventually Mary heard Joseph’s even breathing signifying he was asleep. But her mind was too full of all that had happened and how it connected with the visits of the angels to herself and Joseph. She raised herself on her elbow and made out the form of her calmly sleeping infant. She reached out to touch his cheek again. He stirred momentarily and then settled. With that, Mary’s heat seemed to swell with an unbearable joy and feeling of contentment. She lay back down and snuggled up against Joseph as the chill of the night began to make itself felt. Eventually, her fatigue overtook her thoughts and she too fell asleep.