Mary's Christmas Story Part 1, Page 2
Kathy Bosman
back and forth restlessly. Even though Nazareth was quiet, the road back home was a risk at night, especially on market day. Robbers took advantage of people who had just bought food for the month. Maybe Joseph hadn’t packed up his stall.
“Please would you watch my purchases?” Mary asked the lady at the grain stall. She’d known her for years and was sure she could be trusted. “I need to find some assistance.”
The lady nodded, her eyes filled with concern.
Mary rushed to the carpenter’s stall, praying that they were still there. Most of the marketers had now left. She released her breath when she saw Joseph loading the last plank of wood onto a cart. She ran up to her, forgetting the need to be ladylike, and shouted.
“Wait, please!”
“Mary, what is it?”
“Ethan has still not arrived. I’m sorry to inconvenience you, but I’m scared to travel alone on the road home now as it’s nearly dark.”
“I have no space for a lady on this crude cart.”
“I can sit on the empty spot next to the tables there.” She pointed to a small spot on the back of the cart.
“No. If you wait here, I shall find a guard to watch my goods and walk with you home.” She shook her head in despair.
“You can’t do that. I shall squeeze in there by the table.”
“There is space next to me at the front. Not the perfect spot for a lady. But what about your purchases?”
“I don’t know.” She thought she was going to cry. She felt so helpless.
“I think that they will fit just fine in the spot you wanted to sit on.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m very sure.” He looked into her eyes with certainty and strength that she suddenly felt relaxed again. She knew instinctively that she could trust Joseph, who had grown up into a wonderful, caring and mature young man.
Mary’s mother fussed over her when she came home but didn’t fail to invite Joseph in for supper. Joseph wanted to decline, admitting that he still had all his products to unpack, and he had had a long day.
“You will come tomorrow, then?” she asked expectantly.
“Definitely.”
Mary looked at him and thought how polite he was. The sons of Jacob had been reasonably well-behaved boys growing up, but they had never stood out to her in any way. She couldn’t help noticing how well Joseph had turned out. It was a little silly to stand there staring at him so she quickly thanked him again and rushed inside. She was relieved to be home and even more relieved that Abigail rushed to her to help unpack the purchases. Within no time, everything was in its place, and Mary was seated at the table to eat a meal with her parents and sister.
“What a gentleman he’s turned out to be,” commented Mother to Father as they were finished their prayer of blessing on the food. Mary wished she had returned earlier so that they may enjoy some of the fresh vegetables she’d bought. She loved vegetables and lately had only had them every now and then. Not bread and fish stew again. She should be grateful that they could have fish though – not everyone could afford it. They were blessed that her cousin sold them the fish at a good price.
“Joseph has grown into a fine young man and would make a good husband for Mary. At last, I think I have found a man whom I would like to get to know for this very purpose.”
Mary gasped and dropped her bread into the stew. The hot liquid splashed onto her arm.
“Ow!”
“Are you not happy with Father’s idea?” her Mother looked at her, her brow puckered.
“No, I …” She dabbed the stew off her arm with the cloth napkin. It would make a red mark for sure because it was stinging badly. She bit her lip.
“I think Mary is shocked that you’re finally finding her a husband,” said Abigail.
“Abby! You will speak to your father with respect,” chided her mother sternly, but there was a twinkle in her eye.
“Now Abigail, you know that I have been pre-occupied with trying to find work.”
“I’m sorry, Abba, I know. It was just a joke.”
“So, Mary, what do you think?” Her mother was scrutinising her emotions in her eyes.
Mary sighed, wishing that the focus wasn’t back on her again.
“I think he’s a good man,” she mumbled.
“But …?”
“Nothing.” She felt her hand beginning to shake. What was wrong with her? Was she maybe overtired from the long day?
Her father spoke. “Now, Michel, Mary has had a long day. How is she supposed to feel about this sudden new idea? I shouldn’t have brought it up now.”
Mary looked at her kind father and smiled. Father had those special moments when he saw into her thoughts. She gobbled the last mouthful of stew and stuffed the bread into her mouth. With cheeks like a hamster, she took her plate to the washing area outside to start the washing up process. Her mother followed her soon afterwards.
“Mary, please leave the washing up today. You look exhausted.”
“But Mother, I haven’t helped you at all today.”
“You have helped. You bought the food for us.”
“Okay, thanks. I think I’ll crawl into bed straight away.” She breathed a sigh of relief but knew that sleep wasn’t going to take away her swirling thoughts. She was exhausted but also wanted to be alone with her thoughts. She washed herself and then lay on her mat in the corner of the living area, trying to blot out the sounds of her family. Maybe she should sleep on the roof tonight. It was a hot night and there were no clouds earlier. The stars offered much solace to a troubled soul. She grabbed her mat quietly and took the stairs to the roof. Abigail would probably join her later as she loved it on the roof.
Mary breathed in the fresh night air and lay on the mat to gaze at the stars. Sudden peace enveloped her. The God who had made the earth in only six days had made her. He had made Joseph too. If they were meant to be together, He would make it work. She shouldn’t be so petrified of marriage. God had said that “it was good” when he saw His creation of male and female. She felt an unexpected twinge of excitement ripple through her. Joseph was very handsome. And he seemed like a good man. She began to dream of her future life as his wife. She dreamt how she would organize her new home. She wondered whether Joseph would set up his own workshop or still work with his father. She wondered how many children they would have. The excitement began to build up within her, and she sat up with a start when she heard footsteps. Abby.
“What’s wrong? Did I wake you?”
“No. I can’t sleep.”
“It’s a beautiful night.”
“Yes, it truly is.”
“Oh, Mary. I’m so happy for you if this works out, but I’m going to miss you.” Abigail fluffed her mat next to Mary’s and lay down gently. Although she was a feisty girl, she was still her dearest friend, and Mary would miss her terribly.
“I will miss you too. Oh, what am I saying? Father hasn’t even spoken to Joseph yet. What if Joseph says no?”
“He wouldn’t, would he?”
“He knows how poor we are.”
“So? If he’s a good man, that will mean nothing.”
“But what if he doesn’t like me? What if he finds me ugly or something?”
“You’re beautiful, Mary. He would never.”
“You’re biased. I’m very plain. Why do you think Father hasn’t been fighting off all the suitors? I mean, he’s already gotten rid of …” Mary held her breath. She’d just broken her mother’s trust.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“What were you going to say?” Abigail was sitting bolt upright now.
Why did she have to mistakenly say something that was a secret in front of her strong-willed sister?
“Never mind.” Mary gave an exaggerated yawn. “It’s been a long day. I need to rest as I have some cooking to do tomorrow for the dinner.”
“I’ll help
you. Tell me.”
“It’s nothing that will add to your wisdom, Abby.”
“I don’t care. I don’t like secrets ‘specially with my sister.”
Mary sighed. Her mother hadn’t specifically said she shouldn’t tell Abby, she’d just assumed it was kept from her for a reason.
“You had a suitor.”
“Me? When? Who?”
“Last year. You don’t want to know who.”
“I do, I do. Why didn’t Abba tell me?”
“Because you were only fifteen and he was not suitable. I promise. I think Abba didn’t want to upset you.”
“It wasn’t Jeremiah?”
“No. His brother.”
“Aargh! I’m so glad Abba said no. What if he asks again when I’m older? What will I do if Abba says yes? I think he just said no because you haven’t married yet and you’re older.”
“I knew I shouldn’t have told you.”
“I won’t say anything. I will just stew in my own fears. Please pray.”
“Abigail. You needn’t fear. Abba wouldn’t choose the wrong man for you.”
“I don’t know. I’ve heard some terrible stories of arranged marriages. It’s so scary.”
Mary took her sister’s hand. “I know, it’s very scary.” Mary’s voice was shaky.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Mary. I didn’t mean to …”
“God will look after me, Abby. I know it in my heart, but my head doesn’t want to listen. I have to sleep now.”
“Okay.” They both lay down again and watched the stars in silence.
The fears of the night before seemed to fade in the day’s sunshine as Mary, Abigail and Mother prepared a feast for the evening. It was exciting to prepare a special meal as they had eaten plain food
“Please would you watch my purchases?” Mary asked the lady at the grain stall. She’d known her for years and was sure she could be trusted. “I need to find some assistance.”
The lady nodded, her eyes filled with concern.
Mary rushed to the carpenter’s stall, praying that they were still there. Most of the marketers had now left. She released her breath when she saw Joseph loading the last plank of wood onto a cart. She ran up to her, forgetting the need to be ladylike, and shouted.
“Wait, please!”
“Mary, what is it?”
“Ethan has still not arrived. I’m sorry to inconvenience you, but I’m scared to travel alone on the road home now as it’s nearly dark.”
“I have no space for a lady on this crude cart.”
“I can sit on the empty spot next to the tables there.” She pointed to a small spot on the back of the cart.
“No. If you wait here, I shall find a guard to watch my goods and walk with you home.” She shook her head in despair.
“You can’t do that. I shall squeeze in there by the table.”
“There is space next to me at the front. Not the perfect spot for a lady. But what about your purchases?”
“I don’t know.” She thought she was going to cry. She felt so helpless.
“I think that they will fit just fine in the spot you wanted to sit on.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m very sure.” He looked into her eyes with certainty and strength that she suddenly felt relaxed again. She knew instinctively that she could trust Joseph, who had grown up into a wonderful, caring and mature young man.
Mary’s mother fussed over her when she came home but didn’t fail to invite Joseph in for supper. Joseph wanted to decline, admitting that he still had all his products to unpack, and he had had a long day.
“You will come tomorrow, then?” she asked expectantly.
“Definitely.”
Mary looked at him and thought how polite he was. The sons of Jacob had been reasonably well-behaved boys growing up, but they had never stood out to her in any way. She couldn’t help noticing how well Joseph had turned out. It was a little silly to stand there staring at him so she quickly thanked him again and rushed inside. She was relieved to be home and even more relieved that Abigail rushed to her to help unpack the purchases. Within no time, everything was in its place, and Mary was seated at the table to eat a meal with her parents and sister.
“What a gentleman he’s turned out to be,” commented Mother to Father as they were finished their prayer of blessing on the food. Mary wished she had returned earlier so that they may enjoy some of the fresh vegetables she’d bought. She loved vegetables and lately had only had them every now and then. Not bread and fish stew again. She should be grateful that they could have fish though – not everyone could afford it. They were blessed that her cousin sold them the fish at a good price.
“Joseph has grown into a fine young man and would make a good husband for Mary. At last, I think I have found a man whom I would like to get to know for this very purpose.”
Mary gasped and dropped her bread into the stew. The hot liquid splashed onto her arm.
“Ow!”
“Are you not happy with Father’s idea?” her Mother looked at her, her brow puckered.
“No, I …” She dabbed the stew off her arm with the cloth napkin. It would make a red mark for sure because it was stinging badly. She bit her lip.
“I think Mary is shocked that you’re finally finding her a husband,” said Abigail.
“Abby! You will speak to your father with respect,” chided her mother sternly, but there was a twinkle in her eye.
“Now Abigail, you know that I have been pre-occupied with trying to find work.”
“I’m sorry, Abba, I know. It was just a joke.”
“So, Mary, what do you think?” Her mother was scrutinising her emotions in her eyes.
Mary sighed, wishing that the focus wasn’t back on her again.
“I think he’s a good man,” she mumbled.
“But …?”
“Nothing.” She felt her hand beginning to shake. What was wrong with her? Was she maybe overtired from the long day?
Her father spoke. “Now, Michel, Mary has had a long day. How is she supposed to feel about this sudden new idea? I shouldn’t have brought it up now.”
Mary looked at her kind father and smiled. Father had those special moments when he saw into her thoughts. She gobbled the last mouthful of stew and stuffed the bread into her mouth. With cheeks like a hamster, she took her plate to the washing area outside to start the washing up process. Her mother followed her soon afterwards.
“Mary, please leave the washing up today. You look exhausted.”
“But Mother, I haven’t helped you at all today.”
“You have helped. You bought the food for us.”
“Okay, thanks. I think I’ll crawl into bed straight away.” She breathed a sigh of relief but knew that sleep wasn’t going to take away her swirling thoughts. She was exhausted but also wanted to be alone with her thoughts. She washed herself and then lay on her mat in the corner of the living area, trying to blot out the sounds of her family. Maybe she should sleep on the roof tonight. It was a hot night and there were no clouds earlier. The stars offered much solace to a troubled soul. She grabbed her mat quietly and took the stairs to the roof. Abigail would probably join her later as she loved it on the roof.
Mary breathed in the fresh night air and lay on the mat to gaze at the stars. Sudden peace enveloped her. The God who had made the earth in only six days had made her. He had made Joseph too. If they were meant to be together, He would make it work. She shouldn’t be so petrified of marriage. God had said that “it was good” when he saw His creation of male and female. She felt an unexpected twinge of excitement ripple through her. Joseph was very handsome. And he seemed like a good man. She began to dream of her future life as his wife. She dreamt how she would organize her new home. She wondered whether Joseph would set up his own workshop or still work with his father. She wondered how many children they would have. The excitement began to build up within her, and she sat up with a start when she heard footsteps. Abby.
“What’s wrong? Did I wake you?”
“No. I can’t sleep.”
“It’s a beautiful night.”
“Yes, it truly is.”
“Oh, Mary. I’m so happy for you if this works out, but I’m going to miss you.” Abigail fluffed her mat next to Mary’s and lay down gently. Although she was a feisty girl, she was still her dearest friend, and Mary would miss her terribly.
“I will miss you too. Oh, what am I saying? Father hasn’t even spoken to Joseph yet. What if Joseph says no?”
“He wouldn’t, would he?”
“He knows how poor we are.”
“So? If he’s a good man, that will mean nothing.”
“But what if he doesn’t like me? What if he finds me ugly or something?”
“You’re beautiful, Mary. He would never.”
“You’re biased. I’m very plain. Why do you think Father hasn’t been fighting off all the suitors? I mean, he’s already gotten rid of …” Mary held her breath. She’d just broken her mother’s trust.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“What were you going to say?” Abigail was sitting bolt upright now.
Why did she have to mistakenly say something that was a secret in front of her strong-willed sister?
“Never mind.” Mary gave an exaggerated yawn. “It’s been a long day. I need to rest as I have some cooking to do tomorrow for the dinner.”
“I’ll help
you. Tell me.”
“It’s nothing that will add to your wisdom, Abby.”
“I don’t care. I don’t like secrets ‘specially with my sister.”
Mary sighed. Her mother hadn’t specifically said she shouldn’t tell Abby, she’d just assumed it was kept from her for a reason.
“You had a suitor.”
“Me? When? Who?”
“Last year. You don’t want to know who.”
“I do, I do. Why didn’t Abba tell me?”
“Because you were only fifteen and he was not suitable. I promise. I think Abba didn’t want to upset you.”
“It wasn’t Jeremiah?”
“No. His brother.”
“Aargh! I’m so glad Abba said no. What if he asks again when I’m older? What will I do if Abba says yes? I think he just said no because you haven’t married yet and you’re older.”
“I knew I shouldn’t have told you.”
“I won’t say anything. I will just stew in my own fears. Please pray.”
“Abigail. You needn’t fear. Abba wouldn’t choose the wrong man for you.”
“I don’t know. I’ve heard some terrible stories of arranged marriages. It’s so scary.”
Mary took her sister’s hand. “I know, it’s very scary.” Mary’s voice was shaky.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Mary. I didn’t mean to …”
“God will look after me, Abby. I know it in my heart, but my head doesn’t want to listen. I have to sleep now.”
“Okay.” They both lay down again and watched the stars in silence.
The fears of the night before seemed to fade in the day’s sunshine as Mary, Abigail and Mother prepared a feast for the evening. It was exciting to prepare a special meal as they had eaten plain food
