Work Text:
Mary warmed herself by the fire thinking how good it felt to be able to rest after the day's journey. Looking across the top of the flames she caught Joseph looking at her so lovingly with admiration and wonder. Things were changing so fast. It had been 3 long days since they had left for Bethlehem. Joseph had just reassured her again today that she and the baby would both be okay for the long trip. She was learning to trust him and knew that he would do everything he could to keep them safe. Their entire relationship had been so unique. They were together but at the same time they were not. Physically they did not know each other but emotionally they seemed so much closer than other married couples well beyond their years. With just a glance Joseph could sense her apprehension as she would ocassionally feel the baby in such a way that she knew her time was coming much sooner than later. Just then she felt another pain in her stomach and lower back. Joseph immediately sensed her discomfort and his faced showed it. She had come to expect the look of his furrowed brow. As the pain subsided she leaned back against a rock and gave him a warm smile. His face relaxed yet again into his loving look as he came around to cover her with a blanket. He did it so carefully as tho he thought she might break. This always amused her when he was that cautious but could hardly blame him. After all she was carrying the Savior of the whole world inside her. Her lips broke into an amusing grin as she thought how careful she had been with every movement in the beginning. As the days went by she realized she had to relax and enjoy this time. She was experiencing something that women had for centuries but at the same time no other woman had before or ever would again. This had become abundantly clear to her when she visited her cousin Elizabeth.
As soon as I had greeted Elizabeth, Elizbeth's baby leapt in her womb for joy and Elizabeth instantly exclaimed that I was blessed and that the child I would bear was blessed. And then she asked why she was so favored that the mother of her Lord would come to her. She also said blessed was she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her. Upon hearing all this I broke out in song. I still don't understand how I found favor with my God as the angel has said. Once the angel explained how this all could be I accepted it and trusted in my Lord that it would come to pass. In his loving kindness he did give me a sign. Elizabeth, my cousin in her old age was going to have a child and was in her sixth month. After the angel told me all this I got ready and hurried to go see her. It was all true!! And now, sitting here by the fire with the man I have grown to love more than I ever though possible, it is all becoming a reality. I am a mess of emotions. I am excited, but scared; looking forward to it all, but holding onto every moment as long as I can; feeling so humbled, but yet so blessed; pondering what all this will mean for me, for Joseph, for my baby and for the whole world. As all these thoughts swirl in my head I look once more to Joseph, our eyes meet, and everything seems possible as I slowly drift to sleep thankful to my God and feeling so loved.