Letter from Joseph

Dear Grandma,

Lots of things have been going on in my life lately.   I don’t know where to start. You know, Grandma, I've always loved Mary. Remember how mom and dad used to tease me about her when she was still a girl?   She and her brothers used to play on our street. Our families would often times together for supper.  She’s only fifteen – five years younger than me - but she’s very mature for her age.

Well, a few weeks ago, Mary and I were betrothed and signed the marriage agreement at our engagement.   I was so excited.  I just knew that Mary was the girl for me.  I loved her so much.  I’d do anything for her.  Dad and mom were excited also. 

But the hardest day of my life came a couple of weeks ago.  It actually started three and a half months ago, when Mary had left abruptly to visit her old cousin Elizabeth in Judea. She was gone three whole months.   After she got back, people started wondering out loud if she were pregnant.  It was cloudy the day when I finally confronted her with the gossip.

  "Mary," I asked at last, "are you going to have a baby?"

   Her clear brown eyes met mine. She nodded.

   I didn't know what to say. "Who?" I finally stammered.

   Grandma, Mary and I had never acted improperly -- even after we were betrothed.

Mary looked down. "Joseph," she said. "There's no way I can explain. You couldn't understand. But I want you to know I've never cared for anyone but you." She got up, gently took my hands in hers, kissed each of them as if it were the last time she would ever do that again, and then turned towards home. She must have been dying inside. I know I was.

   The rest of the day I stumbled through my chores. It's a wonder I didn't hurt myself in the wood shop. At first I was angry and pounded my frustrations out on the doorframe I was making. My thoughts whirled so fast I could hardly keep my mind on my work. Why could she do this tome.  She knows how I felt about our promise of purity.   My dreams had turned into a nightmare.  At last I decided to end the marriage contract with a quiet divorce. I loved her too much to make a public scene.

I couldn't talk to you. Or anyone, for that matter. I went to bed early and tried to sleep. Her words came to me over and over. "I've never cared for anyone but you.... I've never cared for anyone but you...."

   How I wished I could believe her!

   I don't know when I finally fell asleep. Grandma, I had a dream from God. An angel of the Lord came to me. His words pulsated through my mind so intensely I can remember them as if it were yesterday.

   "Joseph, Son of David," he thundered, "do not fear to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."

I couldn't believe my ears, Grandma. This was the answer! The angel continued, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

The angel gripped my shoulders with his huge hands. For a long moment his gaze pierced deep within me. Just as he turned to go, I think I saw a smile on his shining face.

   I sat up in bed. No sleep after that! I tossed about for a while, going over the words in my mind. Then I got up and dressed quietly so I wouldn't wake dad and mom.  I must have walked for miles beneath the moonless sky. Stars pricked the blackness like a thousand tiny pinpoints. A warm breeze blew on my face.   I sang to the Lord, Grandma.  Yes, me, singing, if you can imagine that. I couldn't contain my joy. I told Him that I would take Mary and care for her. I told Him I would watch over her and the child--no matter what anyone said.

People had begun to look at Mary and I in disgrace.  How we had brought dishonor to both our families.

   I walked over to Mary’s house.  She looked so young and afraid.  “It’s still on, Mary," I told her gently. "I'm taking you home to be my wife."

"Joseph!" She hugged me as tight as she could. Grandma, I didn't realize she was so strong. I said. "No matter what anyone says about you, I'm proud you're going to be my wife. I'm going to take good care of you. I've promised God that."

   She looked up.

   I lowered my voice. "I had a dream last night, Mary. I saw an angel. I know."

The anguish which had gripped her face vanished. She was radiant as we turned away from the house and began to walk up the hill together.

Just then her mother ran out into the yard. "Wait," she called. She must have been listening from behind the door. Tears were streaming down her cheeks.

   "I'll get your father," she called, almost giddy with emotion. "We," she cried as she gathered up her skirts. "We," she shouted as she began to run to find her husband. "We ... are going to have a wedding!"

   I am so excited!  God has turned things around.  Just a few days ago, I felt worthless, and ashamed, thinking that I had no hope and no future.  But God has changed all of that.  Now, I feel honored that God has chosen me – a simple carpenter boy – to help raise the Son of God.  God has given me a purpose in life.  God has given me the promise of a bright future.

   The wedding is in three weeks.  I hope you and Grandpa can come down.  I’d love to have both of you here.

Love,

Joseph