[M] Now it is appropriate for me to discuss a most surprising event which forever changed the course of my life, and Gabe, that of all peoples of this earth forever.
It was so soon after the betrothal, perhaps four Shabbath, that I took to walking well outside the village to a quiet place to rest and consider my future with Yosef. Resting so quietly and comforted by such peace, it was then this figure came into my presence. Addressing me by name, although I had no recollection of him, seemed proper.
He spoke of wondrous things. That I, if willing, and by the power alone of Adonai, would conceive of a boy child, the son of the Most Holy One, the savior to all peoples now and forever; the Moshiach.
How blessed was that message. A young, innocent girl, only just betrothed, is to be chosen for honors never imagined. “Yes, yes please allow for me that privilege,” was my prompt, yet thought filled response. The figure smiled, bowed to me and took quiet leave. How joyous is to be my life, to serve as no one had ever before done.
I rushed home while thinking of the ancient story of how Sarai, wife of Abram, must have felt when told that she was to be the mother of Isaac. And how old she was at that time. Sarai and I and so many faithful women are blessed with that most enduring trust in the ways of our Lord. Smiling to myself, I wagered that when mother and father learned of the angel’s visit and the new baby to come, they might well recall the meaning of their daughter’s name, Wished for Child.
Mother, first to see me, knew that something of great importance had taken place. I was so totally amazed by the calmness, questions and comfort given. Gabe, I must say that is not a fair description. She and my father, always without fail, were so supporting, such loving people, that their reaction could not have been as a surprise to me.
Father and mother knew that this was the miracle long expected by all of the tribes of the Jews. And they said how proud that I had been chosen as that vessel.
It was necessary that some time be given for the full impact of this situation to be addressed. Mother had been told that my dear cousin, Elizabeth, although in somewhat advanced years, had earlier conceived of a child and now was well into her sixth month. It would be of such aid to her should she be availed of my service. And it was timely that I too, might also have the opportunity to sort out the changes in my own life. Father was to escort me through the lands of Samaria, as that can be a most threatening place, to Ain Karim, Zechariah and Elizabeth’s village. That place is not too distant from Yerushalayim.
“But what of my Yosef,” I asked. Father would speak quietly with him, and I was told that, for the present, it would be to Yosef’s as well as my finer interest that the news be given as Father had said.
Later, on our trip south, Father explained to me that Yosef was at once upset, being a man who was already charged with the responsibilities of the woman who was to be wife. I prayed that upon my return, and with guidance from the Most Holy One, resolution would come to pass. I will share with you, Gabe that concern for dear Yosef, that most honorable person, was in my mind and of my prayers every day of the separation.