Part 2

The Diary


Today is the first day of my sixteenth year, and I became betrothed to Joseph the carpenter this day. Although he is quite a bit older than I am, he seems to be a most kind and gentle man. My parents gave a great deal of consideration to this decision, as they want only the best for me.

Other than my actual wedding day, I thought this would be one of the most exciting events in my life, and of course, it was.

But later in the evening, something remarkable happened. I went to the well as usual to draw water for the next day. On the way back, in the field behind our home, I was approached by an incredible being. He was very tall and seemed to radiate a bright light. I was startled and almost dropped the water jar.

At first, I was very frightened, as I did not know who he was or what he wanted of me. Then he said something very strange.

He told me that I was highly favored with God and that all generations would call me blessed. He went on to say I would conceive a child. At first, I could hardly breathe. Many thoughts rushed through my mind and I was confused. Finally I found the courage to ask him how that could be, as I had never been with a man.

He explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon me and that the child would be holy, the son of God! He also told me that my cousin Elizabeth had conceived a son, even though she was too old, and that her son would prepare the way for my son.

In awe, I knelt down, bowed my head and told him that I was willing to do whatever was pleasing to God. He gave me his blessing and told me that I should go visit Elizabeth, and that I should also keep a record, starting tonight, until the child reached the age of thirty. When I finally looked up, he was gone.

Here begins the record he asked me to keep. He said I would know when and what to write.

+ + +

The next morning I set out early to visit Elizabeth. When I arrived at her home, she rushed to greet me as soon as she heard my voice. It was true--she was with child. The first thing she told me was that the child she was carrying leapt for joy as soon as my voice was heard. Then she asked, "But who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"

"How did you know?" I asked her. A messenger from God had told her, she explained.

We had many long visits and interesting talks during the time we waited for the birth of her child. Elizabeth told how the messenger had appeared to her husband, Zechariah, and how he had lost his ability to speak because he doubted the promise made to him.

Finally the day of her son's birth arrived. The midwife had been summoned and came quickly. Then Elizabeth asked if I would stay with her. I told her I would be honored and reminded her that her son would have a very special mission.

The delivery went well for Elizabeth and her son is very beautiful. It seemed like no time at all before the eighth day was here and the time for his circumcision.

When Zechariah was asked to name the child, he still could not speak. Elizabeth spoke for him and named the infant John. The rest argued that no one in the family had that name, but Zechariah got a tablet and wrote, "His name is John." As soon as he had written those words, he was able to speak again. We were all amazed and perhaps somewhat afraid.

The next day, I told Elizabeth and Zechariah that it was time for me to return home.

+ + +

As I approached our home, my parents were outside working in the garden. Only a few moments later, Joseph came along, having heard I had returned.

I asked them to come inside so we could talk. After they sat down, I told them exactly what had happened three months before. Then I explained that this was why it was important for me to visit Elizabeth. I pointed out that the message I had been given about her was true also.

My mother was the first to speak. She took my father's hand and said that we should all rejoice. She was honored that her daughter was going to have a part in fulfilling the greatest prophecy of all time. Slowly my father agreed with her, but Joseph sat there, not saying a word. After a few minutes, Joseph excused himself and left.

At first, I was worried that Joseph did not believe me, especially when I heard nothing from him for several days. Then I realized that if God was able to do this wondrous thing, he would also make certain that everything was as it should be.

The next day Joseph returned and apologized. He admitted that he had doubted my word, but then an angel had appeared to him in a dream and told him it was true. Then he said he was most honored at the part God had chosen for him.

The marriage was quickly arranged and I went to live with Joseph.

+ + +

When it came near the time for my son to be born, Caesar issued a decree saying we must all report to our native towns for a census. Joseph felt it would be dangerous for me to travel being so heavy with child, but I reminded him of the prophecy that my son would be born in Bethlehem. In fact, I had forgotten about this myself until I heard of the decree. Joseph and I are both in the line of David, and so we must go to Bethlehem. I knew that God would keep us safe on the journey.

When we arrived in Bethlehem, the sun had already set. Yet the night became brighter and brighter. We thought there must be a full moon, but when we looked up at the sky, there was no moon at all. Instead, there was an enormous, very bright star that lit our path.

We went to the local inn, but it was completely full. Joseph explained our situation to the innkeeper, who kindly permitted us to use his stable.

We were barely settled when the time came for Jesus to be born. Oh, he is so perfect! I wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in one of the mangers. Then we sat and watched him sleep for a long time. Our hearts are so filled with joy! We whispered to each other in awe about this miraculous child entrusted to our care, and we prayed that we would always be equal to whatever tasks lie ahead.

We had decided that we should try to get some sleep when we heard voices outside the stable. A man stood in the entrance, asking if a baby was recently born here.

Joseph went to speak with him and his companions. Yes, he told them, a baby had been born here tonight, but how did they know?

The same man told us that they were shepherds. They had been resting in the field watching over their flocks when suddenly an angel appeared to them and told them about a baby who would become their savior. Then, he continued, telling us a host of angels appeared, praising God. He said they felt compelled to come and see for themselves.

Joseph invited them to enter the stable. Jesus had roused from his sleep. I picked him up so they could see him. They knelt down, bowed their heads and worshipped him. Little Jesus appeared to smile at them, and he raised one hand, as if in blessing. Then the shepherds departed, and we heard them giving thanks and praising God as they went on their way.

The next day, Joseph took care of registering the three of us for the census. When he returned, he suggested that we have Jesus circumcised at the temple in Jerusalem on the eighth day. I agreed and suggested that we might stay with Elizabeth for a few days before that. She is much closer to Jerusalem than we are here in Bethlehem. So after two days of resting and gathering strength, we continued to Elizabeth's home.

+ + +

Elizabeth was at her neighbor's house with her son John, standing in the front yard visiting. When she saw us approach, she excused herself and came hurrying to meet us. She was thrilled to see us and especially excited to behold Jesus. I was amazed at how much John had grown in these past six months.

Elizabeth took us inside and called one of the servants to bring water and refreshments. She told us Zechariah was at the temple but would be home in time for supper. We asked if we might stay with her until the time for Jesus' circumcision, and she was delighted. She said she wished we could stay with them forever. Joseph laughed and said that two small babies in one house might be more than we all could bear.

Elizabeth brought out a beautiful hand-carved cradle, that she said was now too small for John. We placed Jesus in it, and she told us that she would be honored if we would keep it as a gift. We thanked her profusely, as Joseph marveled over the excellent craftsmanship. Only a carpenter would truly appreciate something like that.

Elizabeth placed John on the rug near the cradle, and he quickly crawled to the cradle. He pulled himself up and cooed at Jesus. Jesus looked at him very intently, then he seemed to smile and lift one hand as if in blessing, just as he had done with the shepherds. He is only two days old and yet it makes me wonder. Could he possibly do these things intentionally? I have always been told that a baby cannot see anything for the first two weeks of its life, but it appears that Jesus sees and knows what he is doing.

The next evening, shortly after sunset, there was a knock at the door. Zechariah answered it and was startled to find three regally dressed men. They told him they had come seeking a baby whose birth was made known to them in the appearance of a special star.

Zechariah invited them in, explaining that there were two babies here. Each of the men carried a gift.

Elizabeth, rocking John in her arms, had overheard the conversation at the door, and she invited them sit down and told them she would bring the baby they sought.

Joseph and I had taken a walk to the back of the house, and we marveled that the big new star was still shining brightly in the heavens. Even Jesus, cradled in Joseph's arms, gazed at the beautiful star. Then we heard Elizabeth calling us and we came inside.

As soon as we walked into the room, the three strangers dropped to their knees and touched their heads to the floor, murmuring words of praise and worship. Joseph and I watched them in amazement. Finally, they stood up and introduced themselves as Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, astronomers from the East, who had seen the new star and knew of the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

They presented Jesus with fine gifts--gold, frankincense and myrrh--then shortly thereafter they departed, leaving us in wonderment. First the shepherds, then the regal astronomers. Joseph and I felt humbled and honored to see the ways God had fulfilled his promise.

Our time with Elizabeth went by quickly. It was good to be able to visit with our dear relatives. We especially enjoyed watching and playing with the two babies. But before we knew it, the eighth day had arrived and it was time for the circumcision.

Elizabeth begged us to stay on a while longer, but Joseph said we could not. He told us that he had been warned in a dream the night before that he must take Jesus and me and go to Egypt, because Herod was seeking our baby and planned to slay him. I was frightened for his safety and knew we had to go quickly.

Joseph said we should leave directly from the temple and go straight to Egypt, and I agreed. Elizabeth fetched the servants to pack some food and other supplies for our journey. Zechariah insisted that we borrow one of his carts to help us carry our things. We promised to stop on our way back to Nazareth and return the cart. Elizabeth was pleased at that and made us promise we would stay and visit a few days.

It made me sad to leave Elizabeth and her family, as well as our native country, to go to a strange land. Still, we must obey the Lord in all things. In my heart, I knew he would protect us wherever we went.

+ + +

Early the next morning, after bidding farewell to Elizabeth and Zechariah, we hitched the cart to our donkey and set out for the temple in Jerusalem.

When we arrived at the temple, Joseph made the arrangements for the ritual circumcision for Jesus. As soon as it was completed, Jesus gave a brief cry, after which an old man came rushing in.

He came directly to where we were standing, took one look at our baby, bowed his head and prayed aloud. He thanked God for letting him live to see the salvation of Israel as he had been promised, and added that now he could depart in peace. When he finished praying, he turned to us. He said his name was Simeon, and that God had promised he would not die until he saw Messiah with his own eyes.

Again Jesus smiled and lifted his right hand as if blessing Simeon. As we were preparing to leave, Simeon said that a sword would pierce my heart! I wondered what he meant, but he left before I could ask.

Joseph said we must hurry and leave Jerusalem right away. Herod's soldiers were everywhere and Joseph was concerned for our safety.

+ + +

It surprised me that our journey to Egypt was swift and there were no problems along the way. Some of the time I rode in the cart with Jesus on my lap. When Jesus slept, snug in his cradle, I often walked alongside Joseph as he led the donkey.

When we arrived at the village of Akton, near the border, we were delighted to find many people from our home country. They, too, had fled King Herod's cruelty and had set up housekeeping in a small section of the village. While Jesus and I sat in the shade next to a well, Joseph went to talk to some of the people, and he found a place we could stay. It even had enough room for Joseph to set up a small carpentry shop, and he had been told that there were no carpenters in the village. The townspeople were most happy to have us settle here. Life here is not so much different. It is a quiet, simple life, the kind Joseph and I enjoy.

One day, as I was washing clothes, I turned to check on Jesus, who was playing in the grass by the side of the house. He is starting to crawl, so I keep an extra close watch to be certain he is not in any danger.

My heart nearly stopped when I saw him sitting there petting a cobra. Jesus made quiet cooing sounds at the snake, gently stroking its head, while the snake was bobbing and weaving back and forth.

Praying fervently, I moved quietly toward them from the side. Once I was close enough, I scooped Jesus up and ran quickly toward the house. Once inside, I sat down and hugged Jesus for a long time. It took a while for my heart to stop pounding.

Finally, after I had calmed myself, I called to Joseph. When he appeared, I told him what had happened. He sat down and stared at Jesus in amazement. Then he said that he believed that it was the prophet Isaiah who had foretold about a young child doing exactly this very thing without being harmed.

Joseph had purchased scrolls containing some of the sacred writings of our people, and every night after dinner he read a portion to Jesus and me. Then we would have prayers together before going to bed. I asked Joseph if he would please seek any other prophecies that might be written about our special child. I did not want to have any more surprises like the cobra.

The news that King Herod was dead spread quickly through our village. Most everyone planned to leave as soon as possible to return to our homeland. Joseph and I were most thankful that our exile was about to end and we began making preparations to leave the following day.

+ + +

Jesus is almost a year old now and he is walking well for such a little fellow. Still, Joseph plans to have him ride most of the way in the cart, although he may hold him on the donkey's back now and then. Jesus has always been content, but he seems even happier tonight. I wonder if he understands what "home" really means. Our child seems wise well beyond his tender age.

The trip back went well, and we remembered our promise to return Zechariah's cart. It was good to see him and Elizabeth again.

When Joseph lifted Jesus down from the donkey, the first thing Jesus did was walk to John as fast as his little legs would go. He gave John a hug around the waist, which John returned. Elizabeth and I were surprised to realize how much the boys had grown in less than a year.

The two youngsters walked to a shade tree hand-in-hand and sat down. I was amused to hear them talking, if you could call it that. However, they seemed to have no trouble understanding one another. John listened closely to everything Jesus said, and they looked very serious as they spoke.

Soon nightfall was upon us, and we did not argue with Elizabeth when she pressed us to spend the night. She had the servants prepare a warm meal and we enjoyed a quiet evening of conversation.

When we were ready to leave the next morning, Zechariah insisted we would need the cart for the rest of the trip to Nazareth. He said we could return it the next time we journeyed to Jerusalem for the Passover. The cart made the trip easier, and we thanked him for offering it to us.

+ + +

Joseph patiently honored my request to stop at my parents' home before going to our own. From a distance, I saw a woman dressed in black walking in the yard at the front. When we got closer, I realized it was my mother. Fearing what her black clothing meant, I hurried to her.

We were happy to see each other, but as she embraced me she told me the terrible news that my father had died three days before. Mother insisted we come inside and have refreshments, and she most wanted to meet her grandson.

Mother took Jesus from Joseph's arms and held him tightly to her bosom. Then she held him out to get a good look at him. Turning to me she said, "These are tears of joy. What can I say about this special child? How blessed we are to be his chosen family!"

The two of us prepared tea and cakes while Jesus toddled around exploring his grandmother's house.

After a short visit, Joseph said we must be on our way. Before leaving, however, he urged Mother to come and visit often. She replied that she would like to spend as much time with her grandson as possible. I promised that we would come visit her often too. It is a blessing that she lives nearby.

Finally we got home. It was the first time Jesus had seen our dwelling. Again he went exploring, and found many things to delight him. It was getting late, so after dinner we were happy retire for the night.

The next morning, a beautiful spring day, I took Jesus outdoors to play. He saw a bird flying overhead and decided that he wanted to fly also. Spreading his arms out, he ran faster and faster, until he lost his balance and rolled down the gentle slope behind our house, laughing all the way.

At the bottom, not far from where he came to a stop, was a babbling brook. I went racing after him, fearing that he might fall in and drown. By the time I reached him, he was sitting on the grass with his bare feet dangling into the water.

Jesus sat there enjoying the water, smiling as he watched the small fish swim by. Suddenly he plunged both hands into the shallow water and pulled out a fish. That he should be able to catch a fish with his bare hands was amazing enough, but then he spoke to the fish and it sat quietly in his hands. After a few moments, Jesus gently returned it to the water.

Later, when Jesus was napping, I told Joseph about the fish. He said that had it been any other child, he would not have believed it, but Jesus seemed to be able to do anything he wanted to do.

+ + +

Each year many people from Nazareth go to Jerusalem for the Passover, so Joseph made arrangements for the three of us to join a group. We were so thankful to make the trip this year. Missing the traditional Passover last year when we were in Egypt was very sad. Although we did celebrate with some of our neighbors, it was not the same. All our lives, Joseph and I had usually been able to go to Jerusalem for the occasion.

As young as he was, Jesus still caught our excitement as we prepared for the trip. Joseph described the temple to Jesus and told him that he had been there once, but would have been too young to remember. Although Jesus said nothing, there was an odd look in his eyes that told me perhaps he did, in fact, remember his first visit to the temple.

When we came near Elizabeth and Zechariah's home, we left the group to visit them. We had brought the cart to return as we had promised. It was late in the day, and most of the people from Nazareth would be camping just outside Jerusalem's city walls. We felt so blessed to be able to stay with Elizabeth and her family.

It was a joyous reunion. They had been expecting us and had prepared a bountiful feast. We all were amazed at how quickly John and Jesus were growing. John was in his second year and was a handsome, robust boy. Both of them were walking and talking well, and they enjoyed being together. We woud shake our heads and smile at the serious conversations they seemed to have.

After the Passover ended, Elizabeth and Zechariah insisted we stay one more night before returning home, and we could not refuse. We enjoy their company and they live too far for us to be able to visit often.

Early the next morning as we were preparing to leave, John and Jesus were out in the yard running around having fun. We decided to linger a while and let them enjoy themselves.

As we sat talking, I gasped when I saw John trip and fall, cutting his hand on a sharp stone. Immediately the wound gushed blood, and tears sprang from John's eyes. Before Elizabeth or I could take a step toward them, Jesus took John's hand in his, placed the sleeve of his robe tightly on the wound and held it there for a moment.

As Elizabeth and I arrived at their sides, I heard John whisper to Jesus, "Thank you, Lord." Jesus put a finger to his lips . . . "shhh."

Elizabeth quickly grabbed John's hands in hers and was astonished to see nothing. No wound, no blood, nothing at all unusual.

At the same time I took Jesus' hands and looked at the sleeves of his robe. There was not a drop of blood!

Elizabeth and I looked at one another, shaking our heads. The boys asked to play some more, so we left them to themselves while we pondered over the miracle we were certain we had seen.

+ + +

Jesus is only three years old, but he is already learning to read and write. It all began a month ago when he looked over Joseph's shoulder during the evening scripture reading. The next day he asked me to show him how to read the sacred words. We began that very day and his progress has been remarkable. Teaching him brought back so many happy memories of the times when my father was teaching me.

This morning while he practiced writing the alphabet, Joseph came in and asked Jesus to come into his workshop. Joseph had a twinkle in his eye, so I followed to see what he was going to do.

Pulling Jesus close to him, Joseph slid a chair next to one of his workbenches and sat down. He said, "I notice you have been watching me through the door of this workshop quite often. Would you like to spend a little time in here with me each day as I work?"

"Oh, yes, Abba [Daddy], I truly would," Jesus said.

With that, Joseph pulled out a small sturdy stool and placed it at the end of the workbench. He told Jesus he had made the stool especially for him, and he could come in and sit there any time he wished. Then Joseph went back to his work.

Jesus clapped his hands and thanked Joseph. Holding one of Joseph's hands, he climbed up on the stool. But he did not sit down. Instead, he stood up, wrapped his little arms around Joseph's neck and gave him a hug.

I often wonder why I am so blessed to have these two wonderful people in my life!

Jesus spent the rest of the morning on his stool, watching Joseph and his apprentices work. When they came inside for lunch, Jesus carried two oddly shaped pieces of wood in his hands and carefully placed them in a corner near his bed.

After we had eaten and Jesus was taking his nap, Joseph stayed for a few minutes to talk.

"Mary," he said, "I said a very foolish thing to Jesus this morning."

He told me Jesus had asked if he might have some of the scrap wood that is left over as they worked, the wood they usually throw away. Joseph blushed and said he had told Jesus, "Yes, if you're a good boy."

Then he looked up at me and said, "What was I thinking? If he's a good boy? Sometimes I seem to forget who he really is. In so many ways he seems like any other little boy, but then . . ."

I hugged Joseph and told him I understood perfectly. It happened to me often as well. Everything would be going along normally, then suddenly Jesus would do something remarkable, and act as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

After Jesus woke, I let him play in the yard while I did the sweeping. As I finished, he came in with a sharp stone he had found that he placed next to the wood Joseph had given him. Then he took my hand and asked me to come outside and enjoy the beautiful day.

Lying on our backs under a large sycamore tree, we watched the clouds drift by as we took turns figuring out what their shapes represented. Jesus thought one looked like an elephant, and I had to agree the likeness was uncanny.

Then Jesus made a strange noise as he looked up into the tree. An answer came from the tree. Well, not the tree itself, but from a squirrel sitting on a branch over our heads. Jesus and the squirrel actually carried on a conversation for several minutes, and I truly believe they each understood the other perfectly!

+ + +

The next evening, after we had finished supper and Jesus had gone to sleep, Joseph shook his head and marveled about Jesus.

"When he came to the shop today, he brought back one of those two pieces of wood he so cherished yesterday, as well as a sharp stone he had found. I watched from the corner of my eye to see what he was going to do. He carefully placed them on a corner of the workbench and climbed up on his stool. Jesus took the sharp stone and worked on the piece of wood. When I realized he was trying to carve something, I told him he might use any of the tools he felt he needed, and that I would be happy to teach him how to use them. He was so pleased. So it looks like I have a new apprentice, and he's only three years old!"

We laughed as our joy in this wonderful child spilled over. Then I told Joseph what Jesus had done this afternoon after his nap.

There were several small children in our neighborhood and Jesus often played with them. Today he offered to tell them a story, and they all sat down and became very quiet. Jesus told them the story of Gideon and how God kept reducing the size of his army, yet Gideon won the battle anyway because God fought for him. I remembered this story well because my father often told it, but I could not recall Joseph having shared it with us.

When I asked Joseph about it, he said he had not told this story because he did not have that part of the sacred writings yet. He wanted to be certain that each story he told Jesus was perfect in every detail. Neither of us could remember hearing Gideon's story in the synagogue, nor at any of the Sabbath or holy day services. Again, we were puzzled as so often we were about Jesus' astonishing wisdom.

+ + +

A widow, living alone in a house nearby, had died recently. Her family sold the house to a young couple with a crippled five-year-old daughter.

One day Jesus asked if we could visit the girl, and he showed me something he had made for her in Joseph's workshop. Jesus had taken the piece of wood and carved from it a beautiful bird. It looked remarkably realistic.

I had baked an extra loaf of bread that morning and said I would go with my son to give the bread to the mother. Surely, they would welcome a visit from one of their neighbors.

The woman's name was Abigail. Her husband, Amos, was a merchant who traveled with a caravan, often away for long periods of time. She was very happy to meet us, and introduced us to her daughter, Sarah. What a beautiful child, with light brown hair and dark brown eyes. Despite her handicap, she sat on a mat playing with a doll and singing softly.

Sarah was thrilled when Jesus gave her the little bird. Abigail insisted on brewing some tea for us, so we left the children to visit on their own for a while. As we chatted, I noticed that Jesus leaned close to Sarah, placed his hand on her shoulder and whispered something in her ear. She smiled broadly and nodded, all the while stroking her precious bird.

We did not stay long, as I was afraid we might tire the fragile child. We had only gone three houses down the road when we heard Sarah calling Jesus. Turning, we saw her walk toward us, while her mother stood in the doorway staring at her daughter in disbelief.

Jesus ran to meet Sarah and she threw her arms around him. "Thank you so much," she cried. Jesus simply smiled and said, "I am glad you like your little bird."

Sarah replied that she loved the bird, but she wanted to know if it was magical. Jesus told her no, that it was just a piece of wood he had carved into a bird.

"But I can walk now," she insisted, "and I have never been able to walk in my life. What did you do?"

Jesus told her he had not done anything, and it must have been God who had healed her. Changing the subject, Sarah said she was going to marry Jesus when she grew up.

Jesus grew serious and told Sarah that the man who married her would be very blessed, but that he would not be the one since he would never marry.

Abigail came to join us, saying, "Who is this child of yours, Mary? He must be an angel!"

I smiled and told her Jesus often did surprising things that made me wonder, too. Somehow, I knew I was not to reveal his true nature. It would be interesting to share this tale with Joseph tonight.

+ + +

Jesus often liked to play with two of the neighboring boys, Zebulon and Matthew. They are both six years old, a year older than Jesus.

This afternoon I heard a commotion in the yard. When I went outside, Zebulon and Matthew were rolling around on the ground fighting and Jesus was trying to stop them.

Matthew broke free, then I saw him pick up a stone and place it in his slingshot. Zebulon begged him not to do it, as did Jesus. I had no idea what they did not want Matthew to do, until I saw him study the trees and thought he was choosing a target, such as a particular leaf.

But it was too late when I realized what Matthew had planned and why Jesus and Zebulon were upset. I watched as a bird cheerily sang on one of the lower branches and Matthew took aim, striking the poor creature on the side of its head. The bird fell from the tree like a rock. It was obvious to me that it was dead. How cruel some children can be.

Before I had a chance to say or do anything, Jesus ran to the little bird and carefully picked it up. He held it in one hand while gently stroking its little head with the other and whispered in its ear. In a very short time, the little bird's wings fluttered a little, then it straightened itself up in Jesus' palm. A few moments later, it gave a happy chirp and flew away.

Zebulon had been crying since the instant the bird was struck by the stone. He was overjoyed to see it fly off. Matthew stood to one side, looking remorseful, while at the same time, pretending not to care.

Jesus sat down on the grass, and both boys sat beside him, asking him how he had fixed the bird. Jesus didn't answer the question. Instead, he tried to reason with Matthew.

Jesus told Matthew that God loved him. Matthew seemed surprised, and asked if God still loved him even after he tried to kill the bird.

"Yes, of course He does," Jesus said, "but when you do something like that, it makes God very sad. God loves the birds too, but he understands more than you can imagine."

The boys wanted to hear more. Jesus said that the reason they had been fighting earlier had to do with jealousy. "Zebulon loves birds very much," he explained, and Matthew has always been jealous of Zebulon because he thinks everyone likes him better. So he wanted to kill a bird just to hurt Zebulon.

With his head hung down, Matthew finally admitted that Jesus was right. Then, to my surprise, he turned to Zebulon and apologized.

Jesus then said to them, "You do not ever need to be jealous of anyone or anything. God has more than enough love to go around and he does not love one better than another."

"How do you know so much about God?" Matthew asked Jesus.

Jesus paused, then replied: "The sacred writings not only teach us about God, but also help us to love Him and live our lives in a way that pleases Him." He explained further that God inspired the men to know exactly what to say when they composed the writings.

When Jesus finished speaking, Matthew turned to Zebulon and asked his forgiveness for fighting with him earlier and for all the times he had been unkind. Zebulon smiled and forgave him readily. Within minutes, the three boys resumed playing, and once again I was amazed by what I had witnessed.

+ + +

Jesus is maturing so quickly. He is only eight years old, but acts much older than his years. He still studies his lessons with me and plays with the neighborhood children, but he seems happiest working in the shop with Joseph. Joseph tells me he is really learning the carpentry trade quite well. He still finds time to carve little birds, animals and other toys for the neighborhood children, but never keeps any for himself.

Last night after Jesus was in bed, Joseph and I talked. We knew Jesus did not come on this earth to be a carpenter, but we agreed that he could be an excellent one if he chose.

Joseph told me he had been working very hard on a special table and four chairs that our friend Simon had ordered, and they had been promised for this past afternoon. Because the set was very ornate with a great quantity of intricate carvings, Joseph had his apprentices work on some of the other orders while he took charge of this project by himself. He had just finished the last chair when he had to stop to help one of the apprentices.

"I left the chair on the workbench," Joseph said, "and I was only gone for a minute when I heard a crash and saw the chair on the floor with one of its legs broken."

It seems one of the apprentices had accidentally bumped into the workbench causing the chair to fall. Joseph was upset, but the poor apprentice was even more disturbed. How could they possibly carve a new leg for the chair in time?

At that moment, Jesus came by and handed Joseph a new leg for the chair--a perfect match to the others. Joseph told me he wept for joy. The new leg was perfect, and it took him only a few minutes to replace the broken leg and finish the chair. He had been able to deliver the order on time and everyone was happy. Joseph said he had no idea how Jesus had managed to make that chair leg. He had not seen him working on anything like it.

Amazed at what appeared to be another miracle, I wondered if Jesus slept much. I told Joseph that very late one night recently, I was not feeling well, so I got out of bed and walked around for a while. I was very quiet so as not to wake either of them, but then I saw that Jesus was not sleeping. He was kneeling beside his bed praying. While I don't know how long he had been there before I got up, I know he stayed there for a long time after. Yet, he arose the next morning as if he had slept soundly through the night.

+ + +

We traveled with a group of pilgrims from Nazareth to Jerusalem for the Passover, as was our custom, stopping to visit Elizabeth and her family for an overnight visit on the way. Our boys are both men now--John just turned thirteen and Jesus is twelve.

After we finished supper at Elizabeth's, John took Jesus to his room where they talked for several hours. Although they usually saw each other only once a year, they could not have been closer if they had been brothers raised in the same house.

The next morning we proceeded on our visit to Jerusalem as in previous years. Afterwards, we returned to Elizabeth's, in company with many other pilgrims and discovered that Jesus was not with us, only John. We sat outside in front of their home, watching the people go by and waiting for Jesus to come into view. We waited a very long time, but he still did not appear.

Finally, Joseph and I returned to Jerusalem to look for him. When we arrived at the temple, we saw a group of learned men meeting in a large open area. We heard a man speaking: "This Roman occupation is our punishment from God for disobeying his laws. But when Messiah comes, he will overthrow the Romans and set us free again . . . "

We heard a young, but authoritative, voice interrupt.

"Sir, that is not Messiah's purpose in coming at this time."

As the men questioned the youngster, we realized it was Jesus! He continued speaking. "The first time Messiah comes, he will preach and teach, he will heal the sick and perform many miracles. But he will not overthrow the Roman government. Instead, he will be tortured and put to death."

The older men began speaking at once, asking why Messiah would allow this to happen.

Jesus explained, "To pay the price for the sins of the world. You see, our sacrifices at the temple do not really atone for sin."

He referred to the writings of the prophet Isaiah about Messiah, but I could not bear to listen any more. His words frightened me and I felt faint.

Joseph and I walked to where Jesus stood and told him we had been searching for him because we thought he had become lost.

As he left with us, he said quietly, "Did you not know that you would have found me in my Father's house?"

Back at Elizabeth's later that evening, when we were alone, Joseph said to me that sometimes he forgot who really was the father of Jesus. Joseph could not love the boy more if he had been his true father. Then he said that although Jesus' words had humbled him, they had also made him realize how very blessed he is to be allowed to share so intimately in Jesus' life.

We both discussed the words we had heard Jesus tell the elders at the temple. The idea of him being put to death horrified us. We, too, thought he had come to bring God's kingdom to earth at this time.

When we arrived home in Nazareth, we questioned Jesus privately. He told us that what he had said in the temple was true, but that we should not be afraid. He would rise from the dead on the third day and ascend into heaven. Later, he would come again and at that time, God's kingdom would be established on earth.

Try as we might, Joseph and I could not understand why it had to be this way. But our lives quickly resumed their normal pattern, and Jesus did not discuss it further with us.

+ + +

Joseph has been very sick for over a week. The poor man is not able to eat or drink anything any longer, and I am afraid he is dying.

Jesus came in after work to visit with him. Holding Joseph's hand, he spoke softly.

"Abba, be at peace now. Your life has been a wonderful example to others and my heavenly Father is proud of you. He loves you very much, and you will soon see him face to face. He is waiting for you with open arms."

Joseph smiled weakly, then tried to sit up. Jesus gently placed his hand on Joseph's chest and told him to rest, but Joseph insisted on speaking.

"Jesus, you are only fifteen years old. When I am gone, you will have to be the man of the house and take care of your mother."

"Do not worry, Abba," Jesus replied. "I will take good care of Mother, and we will be fine. I can run the shop and our two able apprentices will help me."

"There is something you do not know," Joseph said. "We have quite a bit of gold and other valuables hidden away. Your Mother knows where it is if you should need it, and she will tell you where it came from."

"Please do not trouble yourself," Jesus insisted. "Be at peace and know that we both love you very much."

We stayed at Joseph's bedside, reassuring and comforting him as we all prayed together. I placed cool cloths on his forehead, and that seemed to make him feel better. Then I told Jesus about the visit of the wise men from the East and the precious gifts they had brought soon after his birth. I also told him where we had hidden them. Jesus smiled, saying that God would provide everything we needed when it was time.

After a while, Joseph reached out to us and took our hands, squeezing them. He told us he loved us very much, then, giving a long slow sigh, he surrended his spirit to God.

Jesus made the arrangements for Joseph's burial. He closed the carpentry shop for two days and spent most of that time comforting me. He told me many amazing and wonderful things, and although I would sorely miss Joseph, I knew that somehow the two of us would manage.

The day after Joseph's burial, I reminded myself again that Jesus did not come to earth to spend his life as a carpenter. He had a more important mission.

When I asked him when his real mission would commence, he reassured me that we would have plenty of time together and his work would not begin until he reached the age of thirty. I felt so much better when he told me that. The thought of him going away so soon after Joseph's death had frightened me.

+ + +

Jesus will be thirty years old tomorrow, and I have been dreading this day. He has already made arrangements for the apprentices to carry on the carpentry shop and to come to me as they would to him for instructions.

After dinner tonight we had a long talk. I told Jesus of my fears for him and that sometimes it seemed that I hardly knew him.

He took my hands in his and, smiling at me with his loving eyes, told me in fact that I knew him better than any other human. That was why I was so afraid for him.

He went on to tell me how precious these years with me and Joseph had been to him and that he would always treasure these good memories in his heart. Jesus said that I should not be worried for him. He was going to do his Father's work and his Father would care for him and for me as well.

Jesus told me that he will be traveling to the Jordan River tomorrow to be baptized by John. Then afterwards, he would spend time in the desert preparing for his mission. He promised that he would visit me whenever he could, and that he would always pray for me. He also warned that I would hear many rumors about him, but that I would know which were true and which were not.

Chills ran down my spine when Jesus spoke of his upcoming death, but again he reassured me that he would arise again on the third day and that I would see him before he ascended to heaven. He reminded me that our earthly lives are but the blink of an eye in the span of eternity, and that our separation would be comparatively brief.

Finally, he told me that he knew of my writings and that one day they would become very significant but it would be many, many years from now. Jesus instructed me to preserve my writings and keep them safe because they would help save many in the last days before he returned to establish God's kingdom on earth.

I promised Jesus I would do that for him, as I knew it was important for him to save as many as possible. I understand his mission, but oh, I shall miss him terribly. May God grant me comfort and peace of mind through the uncertain times to come.





A Message from the Author:

It is my fond hope that this little book has blessed you and brought you closer to Jesus. Please do not hesitate to share Mary's Diary in any way you can with as many people as possible. As mentioned at the beginning, the only restriction is that it must not be sold. Although this is a work of fiction, much prayer, insight and meditation went into its preparation.

I give thanks and praise to God for Carole Imes, penname, Andrea Carroll, who also does editing and copyrighting in her spare time. Along with her soon-to-be-published contemporary romance novel, Castles in the Sandbox, she has a cookbook and a mystery novel in the works. She spent countless hours patiently and lovingly editing and improving this book tremendously, as well as encouraging the author.

Squad Call, the book I am writing in Mary's Diary will be available soon. I welcome your comments and will be happy to add you to my mailing list and notify you when Squad Call becomes available. You may e-mail me at: JJMadison7@aol.com

May God bless you abundantly,
J. J. Madison






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