Excited as Mary had been on her return, the issue of talking to Joseph hung in the air. Mary’s next visit to Zebina was rife with worry.
“I shared everything about the visit of the angel,” Mary told Zebina, “but he looked at the floor the whole time. Then I told him about my visit to Aunt Elizabeth, but he turned and looked out the window. Oh Zebina, I’ve come to believe it and accept it, but I can imagine how heavy a load this is for him to hear and to bear. He said he would need time to think about this. As I left, he did not look at me.”
Mary looked so forlorn, her face in such agony, tears were eminent. “I’m so sorry, Mary. This is an unbelievable tale at first hearing. I have had had time to digest it, but it’s new for Joseph. Surely the Lord will make a way for Joseph as He has for you.”
Mary busrt into tears and welcomed Zebina’s warm hug. When she finally gained control of herself, she said, “You’re right, Zebina. It is as you say. The Lord has led me this far, I must trust HIm to to lead us together.”
The next afternoon, Mary came to see Zebina again. “Zebina, it was just as you said. The Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream last night and assured him not to be afraid to take me home as his wife, because what is conceived in me is from the Holy Spirit. The Lord told Joseph that I will give birth to a son, and he is to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
A wide smile broke out on Zebina’s face. “Mary, how gracious is our Lord to give you yet another assurance of his work in your life. I feel so honored to be your friend.”
Mary took Zebina’s two hands in hers. “And a dear friend you have been to me. You are such a blessing along with these other blessings. Joseph and I will have a quiet marriage cermony in five days and then I will go to live with him as his wife.” She smiled at the thought. “I want you to be at our wedding.”
Zebina squeezed the two hands she was still holding. “I would be honored.”
When Mary left, Zebina turned to gaze at the beautiful sunset over the distant mountains. As the sun set, it left a beautiful glow of pinks and purples across the sky. Oh the beauty of the Lord’s creation to match the beauty of his holy work in the life of her freind, Mary. Zebina closed her eyes and lifted her head to the heavens.
Oh, holy God, creator of the universe, how honored am I to be a friend to the mother of your Son. I pray blessings on Mary and Joseph as they face the years ahead, bearing your Son and raising him. Amen.
The wedding ceremony was quiet, but in the candlelight, for Zebina, it held a holiness that she had never known before . Mary and Joseph lived as husband and wife for the next couple of months. Oh there were those who questioned the private ceremony and the way Mary was developing so quickly, but the couple went quietly about their business.
Zebina saw her freind often at the well. Then one day, Mary told her that they were soon leaving, before others, to go to Jerusalem for the festival, so that Mary would be able to have extra time get there.
Zebina touched Mary’s bulging stomach. “But shouldn’t you stay home?” she pleaded.
“No, Joseph says we must go to Bethlehem for the census because we are of the House of David. Prophecy says the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem.”
~ Joyce ~