I held Jesus as Joseph and I walked side by side. “Joseph, where should we live?”
“After Abner talked about Alexandria, I know I don"t want to live there.” His voice was so serious, I had to laugh.
“You don"t like big cities?” I teased.
He grinned. “You know I could never be comfortable with so many people around. Every time we go to Jerusalem it"s almost more than I can endure. Before you and I were there very long, I was more than ready to leave. That city is too busy and there are too many people.”
I transferred Jesus from one hip to the other. “I don"t want to live in a large city, either.”
“Here, let me have Him.” Joseph took Jesus, who was almost asleep. Jesus draped his arm around Joseph"s neck, sighed, then slept.
“Mary, what did you think of the village Abner told us about last night?” He leaned his chin on top of Jesus"
head in a protective and loving manner.
“It sounded good to me. If we can find a small place where there"s work, I"m sure we would both be happy.”
He looked around, leaned over and kissed me, just before the trail narrowed and we had to walk separately.
We walked toward a town Abner had told us was fairly close. We stopped for awhile during the middle of the day to rest, eat a small meal and let Jesus run and play.
As we traveled over the terrain, there was little to see. A few mean-looking trees vied for the sparse moisture.
Sand and small stones created no resistance as we walked. The sun played with wispy clouds drifting by.
The sun rose higher. Our steps slowed as heat intensified, and sweat oozed from our exhausted bodies. Clouds evaporated as though they were never born. Few hints of vegetation were visible and the little we saw was brown and crushed. It rustled as we walked near.
Suddenly, we entered a district about the size of our village of Nazareth.
The quiet was eerie. Not even a bird sang in the still, hot air. Our footsteps resounded on the stones of the courtyard where homes appeared to be well-kept.
“Where is everyone?” I whispered.
Jesus slipped in Joseph"s arms. “Probably trying to cool off.” Joseph spoke aloud as he scooted Jesus back on his shoulder.
We abruptly entered the street of artisans and I was horrified. The few people who were in front of their shops seemed to be in a stupor. Heat emanating from sandy soil helped me understand the miasma. Every shop appeared to be in need of some type of repair.
“Are you sure you want to stay here?” Joseph"s voice held as much doubt as mine.
“I don"t know.” I reached for the Baby. “Let me have Jesus. You"ve carried him long enough.”
Jesus woke as he was being transferred and wanted to walk. It was a relief because he was really getting heavy.
We watched Him carefully as He marched in front of us, His short, fat legs pumping furiously.
Joseph remarked, “Every door frame is sagging and the roofs are in desperate need of repair.” As he hit one of the supporting small tree trunks which had held up a roof, it swayed. He caught it, straightened it, then looked at the remaining bolsters. “They look like they"re engaged in a drunken dance.”
Our heads swivelled from side to side. “Joseph, these frames are about to collapse.” I glanced up and caught the eyes of a tin-smith who sat beside his wares. I smiled.
He nodded, then appeared ashamed as he looked back at his dusty, dented wares sitting on wooden frames that leaned aslant.
The entire street appeared to have expired without telling its inhabitants. A musty, lifeless odor pervaded everything; reminiscent of a dying earth.
Sand swirled at our feet as we trudged through the narrow street. When we passed, a few shop owners nodded.
Jesus grinned at everyone. Sometimes, the men returned His smiles. When we reached the end of the short street we saw a carpentry shop.
As I stood outside the door holding Jesus, I drank in the clean odor of cedar. Maybe there is hope for this place after all. Joseph entered the shop and spoke with a man at work.
Soon, they both emerged. I saw a slender, older man whose hair and beard were completely white. His snapping black eyes glowed. His smile was infectious and the laughter wrinkles at the corner of his eyes and mouth told his life story. Truly a contented, happy man. Looking at him closer, he didn"t appear to be much older than my Father.
He clapped Joseph on the back, pointed down the street, then reentered his shop.
“What was that all about?” I asked, holding tightly to Jesus" hand.
“He has a very small house we can rent.” Joseph said. “If it"s all right with you, we can use it for now.” He pulled at a reluctant donkey.
“Anything would be a blessing,” I said, fanning my face with my hand. Sweat dripped over my cheeks as I tried to wipe it away.
Leaving the Street of Artesians, we walked down a lane that was so much like Nazareth, I almost felt I was home. We entered a courtyard that could have been the one we formerly lived on, it was so familiar.
Twisting through tiny streets, we arrived at the house. Part of the roof was missing. We both looked at the sky and knew it wouldn"t rain tonight, so maybe a missing roof wasn"t that important at the moment. A roof was easy enough to replace.
The outside stones were beginning to chip and some needed replacing. A post sat in front of the house where an animal could be tethered. Joseph placed the donkey"s rope over the post and opened the door. As we entered, our surprise was total.
“It"s clean!” Joseph exclaimed.
When we walked into the one room dwelling, we saw a small table in one corner, two chairs tucked under the edge. There was a lamp, still dimly glowing, on a shelf and a brazier in the corner. A platform, about two feet high, jutted from one wall. Like many houses, animals must have lived with the family. We saw further evidence in a manger hung on a wall. I wrinkled my nose in pleasure at the clean smell of hay which permeated everything.
Going back outside I brought one of the bundles from the donkey. I placed a pallet on the platform. Joseph laid Jesus down on it, then covered Him with a robe which I unpacked. He was almost instantly asleep.
“Joseph, I must go to the market and get something for our meal.” I said. “If you"ll bring our belongings in and watch Jesus, I"ll fix a meal.”
He nodded. “While you"re gone, I"ll also feed the donkey. There"s still enough grain for tonight, I think.”
I started out the door, a goatskin in my hand, then stopped. I turned to Joseph. “Did he tell you where the well is?”
Before Joseph could answer, I was tapped on the shoulder. I turned so rapidly, I almost hit her. A little water spilled from her pail, wetting my foot. “I"m so sorry,” I apologized.
“That"s all right,” she answered. “I was just bringing water for you.” Her smile was so beautiful, it was like walking from the darkness into sunshine. “Benjamin said you would be needing water.” Her flashing black eyes belied the fact she was as old as my mother. She shoved the cloak from her black hair which held many strands of grey. The cloak was colored like a rainbow, emphasizing her dark skin and whiteness of her teeth.
I took the pail from her. “Oh, thank you so much. Please come in.”
“There are a few goblets in the chest by the brazier,” she said, pointing a long thin finger. “And there"s a bowl you can use to wash your hands.”
As she stood back looking at Jesus, I found the bowl, poured water and washed my hands. “My name is Mary,”
I said. “And this is my husband, Joseph. The baby"s name is Jesus.”
“I"m Naomi, and Benjamin is my husband.”
“The carpenter is your husband?” Joseph asked as he came forward to meet her.
“Yes.” She smiled as though she were greeting a long lost friend. “He sent word that someone had rented our house.”
I asked, “Is this your home?”
“For many years, yes. A few months ago, Benjamin said it was time we had a larger home. We moved across the courtyard into a house where there are three rooms, one on the rooftop.” She was delighted with her new home. Every gesture confirmed it. “I"m sorry the house is in such disrepair, but Benjamin hasn"t had time to fix it.”
“Is he the only carpenter in town?” I asked.
“Yes. And I"m so glad your husband will now be working with him. Maybe I"ll get to see him more often.” She smiled with pleasure in the thought.
“You"ll eat with us tonight.” She continued. “Tomorrow"s soon enough for you to have to worry about food.”
“Joseph?” I looked at him, wondering how he felt about accepting a meal from strangers.
“We shall be happy to come.” His voice sounded so tired, even more exhausted than I felt. “It"s been a long journey.” He picked up Jesus, who roused, looked around Him and announced He wished to walk.
Joseph put Him down, but held His hand so He couldn"t run. During our journey over the hills and deserts, Jesus walked longer periods each day. Now, he was running almost every step He took, so we had to watch Him constantly.
“What a dear little boy,” Naomi almost cooed, as she stooped so she was eye level with Jesus. She held out her hand. “Let me hold your hand, please.”
He released His hand from Joseph"s and took hers in complete trust. We followed as Naomi and Jesus walked from our new home.
That began our stay in Egypt. Joseph worked with Benjamin in the days ahead. He helped build furniture and farm equipment, just as he had at home. In the evenings, he worked to repair our home.
Then, he began working on shops along the Artisan street. As he worked, the merchants improved their shops.
Though Joseph never charged, they paid him. Slowly, the street revived. A few months after our entry, it became a busy street, with village women meeting to gossip.
The next morning, Naomi showed me the well. Later, she introduced me to women who lived in the courtyard.
She also accompanied me to the best markets to purchase food. I discovered the village was much larger than we had originally thought.
Jesus and I spent our days exploring and marketing. As I became acquainted with the women, I teamed up with one or another to grind grain. I discovered the Arabians used many more locusts in their flour than was our custom. They dried the insects, mashed them into flour and made entire loaves of bread. The bread was eaten as a delicacy. Some loaves were dipped in different sauces and some of the flour was made into cakes.
Naomi taught me to make other dishes used in our new country. I vowed I"d take these new ideas home.
Though Naomi was a Jew, she had lived in Egypt so long she knew the different patterns the Egyptians used in making their clothing. She taught me to weave these patterns into cloth. Most were brightly colored. She even taught me to make many of the dyes used in the fabric.
One day, after we had pounded pomegranate skin to make a yellow dye, she said, “If you think this is hard work, you should be one of the people who make purple dye.”
“Is it much harder than doing this?”
She laughed. “Actually, only men make that dye. First, they must trap murex snails in the sea.”
“Snails to make dye?”
She nodded.
“How can they trap them? Do they use special traps?”
She laughed, “Actually, they put cockles inside a basket, which is a snail"s preferred meal. When snails try to get the cockles the cockles stick out their long tongues and trap the snails.”
By this time I could picture that crazy scene and was laughing so hard I could barely dip the thread in and out of the yellow liquid we made from pomegranates.
“The men break open the snail and remove the gland which produces only a tiny droplet of liquid.”
By this time, my hands moved slower and slower as I listened.
“It takes thousands of these tiny snails to produce enough for one small batch of dye. They even crush the smaller snails.
Then the whole mess is soaked in salt for three days.
“It"s thinned with water and simmered in lead vats. After nine days of cooking...”
“Nine days?” I interrupted.
“Nine days.” She nodded. “Then it"s strained to remove all impurities. Because all this smells so bad, it"s not even allowed to be done in the city.”
I stood listening, enthralled, as Jesus played with other children nearby.
“When they test a piece of wool, it turns yellow.”
“Yellow?”
“Yes. Then they hang it in the sun, which turns the wool to a deep shade of purple.”
“That"s the most fantastic thing I"ve ever heard,” I said, as I reached for the last batch of thread we were to dye.
Even all these chores did not completely fill my time while Joseph worked.
I felt fortunate my mother had believed the Mishna. It stated a Jewish girl might have an education in the Law, if she desired. Many women I met in my travels were very well educated. Some owned lucrative businesses.
They owned shops where other women wove materials, then made garments. These were sold by the female owners.
Others dyed material or thread. Still others baked loaves of bread and other foodstuffs to be sold.
Though scribes were usually men, I was particularly happy I could read and write because I became a scribe for a few people in the village. Mother had taught me to make pens from reeds. One split the reed, cut it cross-wise, forming the nib. The ink was made from ink black and diluted gum.
While in Egypt, I began writing psalms on small scrolls of parchment and giving them as gifts. I also used my gift of writing and reading to teach Jesus.
During these months He absorbed knowledge as though His brain was a sponge. Each day I tried to read from the Scriptures. I even taught Jesus some of the psalms David wrote.
I hoped and prayed we would be home for Jesus to begin serious studies before He reached the age of five. The Mishna states a boy should begin to learn to read by studying the Law and the Prophets at the age of five. He should learn the Mishna at ten. At thirteen, he is bound to the commandments and at fifteen he begins the study of the Talmud.
Though we were far from home, Joseph was content at his work. My life with friends and Jesus was full.
However, the pain of missing my family and friends in Nazareth was always present.
We were not unhappy in our courtyard. In fact, after we were there about nine months, I knew a baby was on the way.
The night I was sure of the pregnancy, a special meal was prepared. When Joseph came home from work, I tried to look my best. Though we had discussed my not becoming pregnant in over two years, since Jesus" birth, we never questioned God"s reason in the matter.
I cleansed my hair that day and tied it on top with a bow. My robe was my prettiest one. It was made with bright colors that brought out the color of my eyes and made them shine. Chicken stew with onions, potatoes and other vegetables I found in the market were ready when he arrived.
Boiled eggs, which Joseph especially liked, as well as hot bread awaited. Thin cakes, with ripe figs spread on them, sat at the side of the table so we could have those later.
I purchased a bottle of wine. It sat in a bowl of water to cool. On the table I placed a clean cloth and small bowls so we could eat from individual containers. Goblets sat on the table.
When he came in the door, Jesus attacked him as usual. When they finished their welcome home game, Joseph swatted Jesus on His bottom and told Him to play for a while.
Jesus ran back to his toys as Joseph looked around. “What"s this? What"s happened?”
I flirted, smiling at him. “Can"t I fix a special meal without your being suspicious?” I went to him, raised up on tiptoes and kissed him.
“Mary,” he chided, moving away from me. “Something"s happened, so you might as well tell me.”
“You get your bath” I ordered. “We"ll eat, then I"ll tell you.” He could see by my face it was good news. He kissed me and was back very soon. As we ate, we spoke of his work. We discussed Jesus" accomplishments and our friends in the courtyard.
Jesus could barely contain himself. He overheard Naomi and I talking about it and was overjoyed he was going to have a brother or sister. I finally told him if He said nothing until after we ate, He could tell Joseph.
Finally, we finished our meal, and bowls were removed. “Now, tell me.” Joseph"s eyes crinkled in merriment.
I looked at Jesus and said, “You can tell him.”
“We"re going to have a baby!” He shouted and scrambled to sit in Joseph"s lap.
Joseph looked at me with a stunned expression. “Is it really true?” His voice was almost a whisper.
I nodded, rose and came around the table. Joseph grabbed me, squeezing me so tightly I thought he would crush the baby.
“Not so hard, father,” Jesus protested.
Joseph relaxed his hold on both of us, but still held tightly. “Oh, Mary, I thought it would never happen.” And his eyes were bright with unshed tears.
“It"s all right, father,” Jesus said, patting Joseph on the face. “Muver will give us lots of babies, so you don"t have to cry.”
Joseph laughed. “I"m crying because I"m so happy, Jesus. Wouldn"t you like to go play now while I talk to mother?”
Jesus scrambled down from Joseph"s lap and went back to his toys.
“Mary, how can I show you how much I love you?”
“You do, every day of the week.” I said. “But I must clean the table, then get Jesus to bed.”
After that night, the only thing that marred our happiness was the fact we were not in Nazareth with our families and friends.
Abner came to see us twice that year. He had a scroll from my mother each time, which kept me informed of the gossip at home. On his last visit, he spoke of Herod and his health.
We sat around the table that night after eating. Abner had brought us exotic food, as usual. “Abner, you are spoiling me. I shall have a hard time learning to eat normal food when we do get the chance to go home.” I laughed, as I used bread to mop up the last bite of juice from the stew he had prepared with wine.
“I would like to be able to cook for both of you more often.” He said, a special twinkle in his eyes. “And you just may be able to go home sooner than you think.”
“What do you mean?” Joseph asked, stopping the bite of bread that was nearing his mouth.
“Herod is very ill.”
Joseph placed his bread back onto his dish and stared at Abner in disbelief. “Can it be?” His voice was so hopeful, I realized he had been as homesick as I. “Will we be able to go back?” He picked up his goblet, sipped his wine.
Then, in his deliberate fashion, Joseph continued. “His son will then be ruler. What kind of person is he?”
Abner ignored his questions for the moment. “Here, Joseph, take a sip of this wine. It"s a very special kind I think you will enjoy.” He poured a small amount in the goblet. “Now, I shall try to answer some of your questions. You know Herod has been a very sick man for quite some time.”
Joseph nodded as he sniffed, then tasted the wine. He raised his goblet and silently toasted Abner.
“He"s lying in his latest house so ill he cannot leave his bed. In fact, he may be dead by now.” His voice was calm. “I can assure you the world will not be sad when he is in his tomb.” He raised his goblet and toasted.
“I agree.” Joseph said, picking up his bread and continuing his meal. “It certainly raises questions for Mary and me.”
“How so?” Abner asked, pouring a bit of wine into a silver goblet for me.
“Mary is going to have our child.” Joseph spoke softly, but the grin on his face was so big, Abner knew how happy Joseph truly was.
“Then we shall have to see that you get back home so this baby can be born in Nazareth.” Abner said.
The next day he went on to Alexandria to sell some of the jewels the Wise Men sent from the Far East. He frequently picked them up from caravans he met in Jerusalem, then marketed them in the teeming Egyptian city.
Two weeks later, Abner was back. He told us he had arrived in the city in the early afternoon. He stopped at the caravansary and made arrangements to have someone care for his animals while he visited with us.
When he knocked on our door, Jesus saw him and ran to his friend. “Uncle Abner,” He called.
Abner scooped him up, talking about how big he had grown, and how much he had missed Him. He gave Jesus a ball he bought in Alexandria. They played outside with the ball until Joseph arrived from work.
I baked a cake made with locust flour to add to the meal I had already prepared. The flour had the sharp taste Abner particularly liked, so I always tried to fix one when he visited.
When Abner entered, he looked like he had a secret he wanted to tell. Even with teasing, he refused to say anything until we ate and Jesus was in bed.
Abner praised my meal as I cleaned the table. He and Joseph sat chatting companionably. After He received more kisses and hugs than usual, I put Jesus to bed.
Then we sat, sipping delicious wine Abner always brought.
“All right,” I stated. “We"ve waited long enough. Tell us your secret.”
Abner grinned at both of us and said, “Well, good friends,” He announced with a laugh. “You can now go home.” He slapped the table to emphasize his words.
“What do your mean?” Joseph asked.
“Herod is dead!” He exclaimed as he picked up his wine and lifted it in the air, as though he was giving a toast.
Joseph sat back in disbelief. “Can it be true? How do you know?”
“Word reached Alexandria while I was there. Jewish neighborhoods in the city are in an uproar. People are talking about moving back home. They wonder if they should go and what to take with them. Ultimately, they must decide if they want to leave the life they have made for themselves in the City.”
Joseph nodded. “I can certainly understand their dilemma.”
“I"m sure you can.” Abner looked from Joseph to me. “The same thoughts and questions are running through your mind right now, aren"t they?” Abner looked from Joseph to me.
I hardly knew what to say or think or do. I twirled my goblet of wine, never raising it from the table. I barely had the strength to pick it up, I was so stunned.
“Well, Joseph. What do you think? Will you go home?”
“I don"t know,” Joseph answered. “God sent an angel to tell us to leave Judea and not return home. We must wait until we are sure Jesus is no longer in danger.”
Now it was Abner"s turn to look stunned. “You never told me that before.”
“I know.” Joseph held the wine goblet with both hands and his voice was quiet as he continued. “We, Mary and I, kept it a secret because few, if any, believe.”
“I would have.”
“I know,” Joseph said. “Sometimes the keeping quiet is easier.”
“Because Jesus is the Messiah?” Abner asked.
“Yes.” Joseph answered and looked into Abner"s eyes. “You knew that anyway, from the first time you saw him.”
“Yes, of course I did.” Abner agreed. “The Magi told me. That"s why I searched for you so diligently. After finding the three of you, I fell in love with your entire family.” He took a sip of wine. “I have no family. I hope you don"t object if I adopt you.”
I reached out and took his hand. “Abner, I had no idea you were alone. We shall be pleased to be your family.” I laughed. “I designate you official Uncle.”
Joseph sat there, laughing with us. Then his face became serious. “Abner, we must wait to see what the Lord wants us to do. Of course we want to go home. I get so homesick for our land at times...” He took a deep breath, then continued. “We can only leave when we are instructed.”
“I"ll be around for a few days.” Abner stated as he rose. “In case you decide to go back with me to Jerusalem, I"ll be glad to have the company. There are a few other families who are now clearing up their businesses and packing. They"ll be joining me soon, so I won"t be alone. You know you"re welcome to travel with us.”
After Abner left, I busied myself around the room, checking on Jesus, cleaning the table, washing the goblets and putting them away. I would soon have my nineteenth birthday and wanted to be with my family when the next baby was born. I wanted my mother and father so badly, it was like a physical pain.
I started to scream at Joseph that I wanted to go home. I caught myself just in time. It wouldn"t have been fair to do that. I glanced at him as he stood at the door, leaning against the jam. I knew he was trying to decide what would be best for his family. I walked to him and he absentmindedly put his arm around me.
We looked into the starry sky. I hoped each time I looked up, one of the stars would be Gabriel. I prayed He would come to tell us to go home. The weather stayed hot most of the time. I thought it would be heaven to be able to dip my hands into the cold water that ran down the mountain into the well at Nazareth.
The slight breeze rushed the odor of honeysuckle past our faces and left the sweet smell behind. There was barely a sound as the village and its people settled for the night.
“Come, Joseph, it"s getting late. We must go to bed.” I put my arms around his middle. He bent and kissed me on top of my head.
“Mary, what shall we do?” His voice was strained.
“Joseph, I don"t know.” I said, snuggling close. “As much as we both miss Nazareth and our families, we must wait until it is the right time. I love the people here and shall miss them when we do go. But this isn"t home.”
“No, it isn"t.” His face looked as though he could see as far away as the Galilean Hills. “I too, shall miss Benjamin and Naomi. They"ve been very good to us. It seems everywhere we go, people are always helping us, Mary. I wonder why.” We were standing close to each other but I could barely hear what he was saying into my hair. “I"m sure God leads us to the people we need, in order to make a good life.”
I removed my arms, moved back a step and looked up at him. “He probably is,” I stated as calmly as possible.
“Joseph, maybe the other reason people are good to us is because you"re a wonderful person. You help others...”
“So do you.”
“I try, but these women who helped me along the way had no children. They"ve treated me almost as though I was their child, so it"s been easy to be nice to them. But you...” I said, reaching up on tiptoes so I could kiss his chin. “You are always nice. You made a special bed for Naomi. You fixed a chair that was broken for Benjamin. The street is now a business district because you worked so hard to improve the buildings. You"ve made this house a real home, with the repairs.”
I looked out at the starry night and longed desperately for home. “Joseph, sometimes I wonder how you can be such a good person.”
He denied it by shaking his head as I continued.
“You visit anyone who is sick. You play with all the children in the courtyard making them feel important. How could anyone not love you? Maybe people are kind to us because you are the most generous person alive.”
He brought me next to him and held me tightly. “I love you, Mary. How wonderful you are, not to complain at all the moves we"ve had to make.”
“Not wonderful, Joseph.” I contradicted him. “I fight every inch of the way. When I finally know we must obey God in all things, I try to accept them. I hated going to Bethlehem, but I learned to love Ruth and Matthew.”
I took a deep breath of the clean night air. “When I discovered we had to leave Judea, I was furious at a God that sent me even further from home. Then, we met Abner and I knew God sent him. He was again taking care of us. I learned to love Abner and appreciate his fine qualities.”
“So do I, Mary. He"s the best friend we"ve ever known.”
I nodded. “This is a pleasant little village we chose...” I looked skyward, “Or did God choose it for us?”
Joseph shook his head. “I don"t know.”
I continued. “Meeting Naomi and Benjamin was like a miracle, but I really di