It was just a day like any other. Filled with the normal duties of gathering water, making meals, washing laundry, watching the children, taking care of the animals, and the list could go on and on. But those things weren't even what was important to this young woman child. No the biggest thing coursing through her mind was far from all the day to day normal's. It was filled with anticipation. Could today be the day? The day he arrives to carry her away to their small little home?
She smiles as she thinks of him, so handsome and gentle, laboring away so hard for her. How did she get such a wonderful man? She knew he left many girls hopes dashed when they became betrothed, and she still cant figure out why he would choose her, a humble young maiden. Something told her that GOD had something big for them, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
She let out a sigh of relief as she contemplated the joy she received trusting GOD with everything He chose to bring her way whether it be good or bad. Joseph was definitely a good thing. Oh how rewarding trusting GOD was. Her mind wandered many miles away to her cousin Elizabeth. Yes there was a perfect example. It was almost like Abraham, Sarah and Isaac all over again. Elizabeth taught her so much about joyful trust. And the joy she knew Elizabeth was experiencing was hers also.
And then it happened. That moment that the patriarchs had been writing about and the grandmothers had been hoping for. The very thing that each young Jewish girl hoped would happen to her. That moment that GOD had been planning. The moment the GOD child was announced.
Fear coursed through her veins. She had never seen an angel, let alone heard one speak before. And the holy, blinding light was almost more then she could handle. She dropped to her knees and bowed her head as he spoke to her. She was shocked when he called her ''Highly favored and blessed among woman''...who was she, a young maiden to be called 'Highly favored'? He continued talking to her, assuring her, and then he said it. He said the words young virgin girls had been longing to hear for centuries. Oh, who is she to bare such a privilege? Who is she, a humble poor handmaiden, to carry the Messiah in her womb?
Her mind cast back to all those times she had trusted GOD and He had been faithful. And her heart bowed its self low, and willing accepted this glorious gift GOD was bestowing on her. She knew the consequences. She knew that she could be stoned and that Joseph, her dear Joseph would have to divorce her. Oh how she hated to disgrace him. But she knew that GOD would take care of everything, and that whatever He did was right and good. She knew that somehow GOD would take care of her.
A few months passed and it was time to tell Joseph. He took the news better then she thought he would, but oh how painful it was watching her words crush him. He didn't understand nor did he believe her. But then again, why should he? Her story was common among many secretly promiscuous woman. And he had no reason to believe otherwise. Knowing that he was going to divorce her broke her heart, but again she knew that GOD was in control. She knew that GOD would make it known to him, and he did. Joy filled her heart as she saw yet again what trust in GOD can accomplish.
All of these things she hid in her womanly heart. Somewhere she had crossed over from girl to woman. And soon she would become mother. Mother to the GOD child. The GOD child that came swift and quick. The GOD child no one but animals had room for. But far out on the rolling hills tending their flocks, another marvelous thing happened. GOD announced the arrival of His Son to the humblest of the humble.The story these humble Shepherds told, the mother hid in her heart, keeping them as precious gems.
Joy filled her heart as she gazed at the GOD baby. And she wondered how come GOD chose her, a humble girl. And she knew that this child would somehow save the world. Not with pomp and glory, but with humility and pain.
And so she watched and waited................................................................
