[G] Please speak to me of the circumstances of the birth of Yeshua.
[M] It was in our year of 3756 and their 748, during the month of Nissan. An order had come from the Invaders that all must be counted, demanding we must appear in the place of our ancestors. The very old had not been subjected to travel of such distances, so my Yosef was allowed to register as kin his parents, Rachel and Jacob, as well as my mother and father, Anne and Joachim.
This still placed a burden upon me, being with child. Yosef was mixed in thought; should I travel with him or wait in our village? Then, most probably because of my pleading, it was decided that we stay together.
From home to Bayt Lahm it was some 29 Parsa’ot. This could have been more difficult, but there were many other travelers along the way, so this shorter sojourn through the land of the Samaritans was somewhat safe. Gabe, remind me later to tell you of a very interesting account of a stop we made for water in a village called Sychar in that land. I must also say that I rode, with great comfort, as Yosef had well padded our donkey, Caesar. That is the name by which my dear husband addressed the beast. With stops along the way for prayer, rest, nourishment and camp, we were able to progress in four days.
Arriving in the village of his ancestors, my husband was distressed as there was no lodging wherever he sought. I will share with you the fact that I was both quite exhausted and troubled. Worried was I that my delivery might be in some dusty street. Then a kind man offered us the use of his stable. Gabe, you frown, but let me give you assurance that any time a dry stable, among gentle animals of sufficient warmth, is far more desirable than the best cold evening at camp. And well remember, none of a night’s fearful beasts.
You may be aware of Tzeniut , our rules of modesty forbid discourse in these matters, and so it is uncomfortable for me to speak in depth of the birth of my dearest baby. It was without any thoughts of fear, such a quiet time, with no agony. Contrary to custom and because of necessity, my dear husband was there both as guardian and helpmate to us. Blessed be to him.
The head of baby rested on my wood and silver box, duly wrapped in soft wool. You know, Gabe, I have said that since Yosef first honored me with that gift at our betrothal, I have traveled not a Parsa’ot without this most favored possession.
I was almost in slumber, warm and comfortable, with dear baby at my side, when I chanced to hear Yosef in quiet prayer. He gave thanks to our most high Adonai for the honor of being guardian to little Yeshua. He pledged by his life that this little one, the true Moshiach, would be protected and loved and raised in preparation for his destiny.
Gabe, I heard music and singing, not as a festival, but in praises for this glorious night, so special, so special.
[G] And please, how long did you stay?
[M] On the first day I rested well while Yosef attended to the registration of the census as was his obligation. But now, he had one more person to count.
We were anxious to return home and there was comfort in the awareness that others from villages in Galilee were doing so. It is always better to caravan, less fear of the cowardly thieves. Yosef went forth to secure provisions, and on return, he had brought to Yeshua a gift of colorful glass beads on a leather strap. Baby shook the toy with such vigor and he smiled so. And I was presented with a fine new robe, silk, in royal color. Such a considerate man, that Yosef.
Many visitors, though all strangers, came to visit baby and me. All were so tender and kind. I had previously had so little contact with Judaeans, but they were much like us.
And Gabe, still another surprise. Dear cousin Elizabeth, Zechariah, and little baby John came from Ain Karim, led I am sure by the Most Holy One. How else would they have known where or in what place we were to be discovered? Oh Gabe, you will find this to be humorous. For years after, Yosef and I would recall and laugh. Soon after our greetings, Zechariah smiled and said how surprised he was to see that such a hard working man such as Yosef could not, at least, have located a suitable lodge for his wife and her child.
At first light of the new day the four of us prayed together, shared meal, and left one another. I had not one thought that soon to take place happenings would result in an absence from each other of such duration.
As it was too early in accordance to our tradition that little Yeshua be circumcised, Yosef asked that we might but visit Temple, in spite of the crowds, prior to our return home. We were honored to meet two people called Anna and Simeon. They joyously welcomed into their arms tiny Yeshua, loudly giving praise to the Most Holy One and addressing my baby as Anointed of the Lord and Moshiach. Gabe, such an honor to be given to me, a young girl from such humble beginnings. I glory in the blessings bestowed.
We chose to return by the same route. As usual, I was troubled over the potential dangers. Often, Samaria is called the territory of thieves. Yosef was swift to assure me. I still remember his words, “We three are here to protect you.” Then, in laughter, he said, “Baby Yeshua, your husband, and the donkey.” I told him, “Dear Yosef that is of great comfort to me.”
The nights at camp passed quickly. At last, we were to be able to enjoy the quietness of our village. Mother, father, Rivka and Yosef’s parents were so excited to see us. And how much they enjoyed little Yeshua.
Gabe, there is need to tell of a concern. In speaking of these events of so long ago, I may well be repeating some details. Please do not find this troubling.
[G] Miryam, there is no need to be uneasy. I am enjoying this conversation so much. Please, if you would take notice, I have no scribe’s stick or skin at hand, only a most attentive ear.
[M] Thank you. Very soon thereafter, in our tradition, at synagogue the Mokel performed Berith Milah. My Yeshua was presented to the Lord, his Father, the Most Wondrous One.
As I do now recall, it was just a few days later that Yosef was in preparation for work in Sepphoris. Baby and I were enjoying the cool morning and then such uproar took place! I placed baby on his pallet inside. As we looked, a small caravan was coming through our village, most directly towards us. There were three finely attired camels in lead with riders even more elegantly dressed and mules with servants and guards. We believed that most assuredly these Goiim were lost. Had they strayed from that Silk Road in the south with a destination of Caesarea? Can you imagine how we felt later, upon learning that these strangers, with the greatest determination, had come to Nazareth?
They greeted Yosef and me, speaking in our tongue in a quite fit style. Yosef bade them to wash and enter our dwelling. The three, immediately upon viewing Yeshua, fell to their knees in the most humble manner while praising Adonai. They did honor to my baby, calling him a king, King of the Jews. They too called him Anointed and the long awaited one. These foreigners, as well as my husband and I, realized that all of Israel, and indeed the whole of peoples, would someday be saved by dear Yeshua.
I gave question to the eldest one in seeking knowledge as to this unusual experience. For a lengthy time they had traveled from the East; Persia and beyond. Each was from a different district, the names of which I do not presently recall. By inquiry, Yosef learned that they were royal advisors. As astrologers and men of science and prayer, they had discovered some special star to guide them in this most glorious quest. The second visitor, also a person of great stature, perhaps a prince, told us of how this star, even shining in the early mornings led them in a westerly direction. Having approached Judaea, it was most appropriate that they visit Yerushalayim to pay homage at the palace of Herod. The visitor also reported that Herod was quite surprised and upset by their accounting of the star and recent birth of a potential new king. Herod had requested that the three return upon finding the object of their lengthy search. This was bewildering to them. As the apparent goal, the village of Bayt Lahm, was but three Parsa’ot away, they wondered why Herod had not merely dispatched a few palace guards to accompany them. No one will ever be able to reason that. Just, I suppose, it was but another example of a troubled mind.
The eldest visitor reflected that as evening came, that bright star moved into a northerly direction. Gabe, this confused these learned astrologers. Trusting in the Lord Host of the Jews, whom they had studied in depth, they were determined to follow the guiding light to whatever end.
Having not heard from the three strangers again, one can only assume that advisors to Herod had continued to consider Bayt Lahm as the likely place of this hallowed event.
It was well that the visitors sojourned to our village. The joy they expressed was most gratifying.
I was pleased that there was sufficient food available for their entire party to enjoy. My special Honey Cakes seemed to be a new experience. They were able to store some extras for their homeward journey.
Gabe, I must tell you of the gifts. Their servants brought in three finely crafted chests with metal trimming. Each contained special items; gold, in coin as well as pieces to shave for bartering, and the familiar Roman silver denarius, as well as frankincense and myrrh. And too, rolls of fine silks and robes for the three of us. Did I mention that the chests were lined in thinly hammered gold? Yosef had seen that skill in Caesarea where craftsmen would roll gold to thickness as a palm leaf. Can you imagine that? Remind me later to share with you some example of that craft.
As coolness came upon the earth, these strangers, having fulfilled their quest, prepared for departure. The camels and other animals were fed and watered.
I saw in them some fearfulness as to returning home by the same route. In counsel with Yosef and one of his well traveled friends, a new route was planned. They were to go directly east crossing the River Jordan below Lake of Gennesaret and back to their districts so far, far away. Oh, such an incredible event.
Soon after was the occasion of my purification and prayers at synagogue. I was in the company of mother and Rachel and dear friend Rivka.
Now once again quiet and peace and family time would come. But I had not realized that motherhood would be so busy. I thought that it would be proper to express my appreciation to my dear mother, Anne. How hard it must have been to raise me.
Please Gabe, give me leave, for I must now pray.