An Imaginative Retelling of the Christmas Story
Narrated by Gabriel, Joseph and Mary, Elizabeth, and the Innkeeper’s Wife
Installments are in reverse order; the latest to be posted is first on this page. To read earlier portions of the story, scroll down on the page.
MARY Is Promised to Joseph
Joseph would be a wonderful husband, I was sure of that. I had seen him many times, when as a little girl I went with my father to the carpenter shop to have a bench repaired or an axe handle made. He was a tall man and always very serious, but I was never afraid of him for he had such a kind face.
When I grew several years older, I didn’t go to the shop any more. Even had I been allowed, there would not have been time for there were many chores to be done—spinning wool, baking bread, cooking and cleaning—and my mother was determined to train me well in these duties of homemaking. But even so, I did see Joseph sometimes. I passed his shop on my way to draw water—well, I could pass his shop if I went around the long way—and sometimes he was sweeping shavings off the front step or talking to a customer at the door. He would nod, and if he was alone he would speak. “Hello, Mary. I’m happy to see you again. Greet your parents for me.”
He began to wait for me to come by, I thought. Finally, when I was about fifteen, a friend of Joseph’s came to our house one evening. He and father talked for a very long time. My heart was thumping so loudly I was afraid they might hear in the next room. Could Joseph be arranging a marriage contract? Oh, I hoped it was so!
“Well, Mary,” my father said to me the next day. “Joseph and I have come to a very satisfactory agreement. Your mother and I are quite pleased. Next year, or perhaps the year after, we think you will find Joseph to be a very fine husband. He doesn't have much in the way of wealth, but he does have the shop and he’s a hard worker. He’s considerably older than you, but perhaps that is an asset. What do you think? We want what’s best for you. We do want you to be happy.”
“Oh, I would be happy, Father,” I managed to say. “I would be very, very happy!”
“Yes, I thought so,” he agreed with a smile. “It’s settled then. Before long you will take your betrothal oath, and I promise you a fine feast, worthy of the occasion!”
I began eagerly to plan for my marriage to Joseph even though it was many months away. I watched Mother carefully while she showed me how to mend the pots, knowing that soon I would have the responsibility for my own. I gave extra care to my weaving too, so as to have beautiful things to take to my new home. My father decided on the celebration day and with my mother began to arrange for the music and the food and wine. They talked endlessly about the party. My heart sang.
I was alone in our house one day, absorbed in my own happy thoughts while sweeping the floors, when I glimpsed a movement at the open door. Thinking my parents had returned, I hurried to meet them. I was greeted by someone I did not know.
(To be continued)
MaryMartha
(All rights reserved)
Email: mrymrtha@gmail.com
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