NEW MOTHER MARY
As mothers and fathers of newborn babies soon learn: day fades into night and night fades into day. Joseph was a wonderful man and a great help. According to our custom, I was considered unclean and had to be in confinement for forty days.
After this period, it was necessary for us to take Jesus to the temple to dedicate him to the service of the sanctuary. My people have done so since the time of Moses. I was to furnish a sacrifice for this, but we could only afford two doves. Times were hard with Judah in bondage to Rome. Herods were harsh and cruel monarchs, but I felt safe and protected by Joseph’s love for our son and me.
When Joseph was out seeking work one day, some men approached. I knew they had travelled far from a different country. Their appearance also told me that they were men of great wealth, as their clothes were made of exceptional fabrics and their faces told me they were not Jews. As they approached, I was not afraid. They spoke their names with respect, indicating they knew the Messiah had been born. They had seen the bright new star and had followed it here.
They asked, “Are you the mother of the Messiah?”
I answered, “Yes.”
They fell down and worshipped Jesus and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. Their humility was so great, they barely let me thank them. They told me that God had warned them not to return to Herod. It was only a short time before the Lord sent an Angel to Joseph to warn us of the danger, that we should leave in haste & to go to Egypt and not return until it was safe.
Such a trip & sustaining life Egypt until it was safe to return would be costly, but with the gifts & treasures from the wise men, the way was prepared for us by the Lord.
I was so grateful for the spirit I felt having the Lord help and guide us. Yet, I was scared, as I was to leave my mother, father, & sibilings and go to a foreign country. But I knew I must go. I must go by faith.