Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Additional Story for Christmas Contest – Julie Wilson

December 24, 2007

Hey gang, Julie is our 449^th writer for Storytime Tapestry and starts off with a submission for the Christmas contest – isn’t that wonderful?  Everyone please take the time to email her and welcome her to our Storytime home.

THROUGH THE EYES

        of Mary

Julie Wilson

There is a worried look on my husband's face as he returns to me, waiting on the donkey, just outside the inn.  I see he carries blankets, and my spirits sink as I realize we may have to sleep outside again tonight.  The pressure in my back increases and I readjust my weight on this poor donkey's back.  The journey has been so far - - and the trip has taken a long time, it seems.  But we are here at last.  And soon I will be able to lie down.

Joseph has been so very good!  I know he doesn't fully understand what's going on .... I don't fully understand myself ... yet he believed in me, and has done his best to spare me from discomfort and from criticism.  He lights the lantern in this stable as darkness fall over the city.  The pallet he has made for me is soft and fragrant of fresh hay.  The Child will be born soon, I think.  I need to rest, but I'm getting so excited -- the Son of God -- MY son as well!!!  As I try to imagine what He will look like, I can only praise God that He chose me to be the one to bear this precious child.  Oh -- there's a light out there that beams through the window -- could it be a star that shines so brightly?  How pretty!!  Joseph has come over to comfort me, and we speak of the star, and of our journey, and of this baby boy whom we shall raise together ....

Joseph is such a strong man.  It seems strange to see him cry.

At last the Little One is in my arms.  He is so tiny!  His fists wave at us as if to say, "Hello!  I'm here!  Now feed me!!"  His perfect little fingers curl around my thumb.  As He snuggles closer to my heart I feel my own tears well up and spill over onto His blanket.  How sweet He is!  My first-born son!  My baby, Jesus!  -- MY LORD!!  Incredible that one so small could be the one to change the course of the world forever!  I kiss His downy head and place Him gently in the feedbox.  Such a lowly beginning for such a Mighty Savior!  His eyes open slowly and He gazes at me quietly, reminding me of some wise old sage.  ...He has such beautiful eyes ...

He sleeps.  It's so quiet in here right now, I think I hear my own heart beating.  So many questions, as I lie here in this barn.  I pray God will protect us.  I vow to keep my promise to Him.  With God's help we will raise this Child to be the King that He is meant to be.  How will Jesus save our people from their sins?  Is there a plan I don't yet know about?  Does Jesus know?  Will He speak of it with me?  Will He love me?  Will He let me love Him?

I'm very, very tired.  It's been a long journey and a very long night.  With God's help I will rest until the morning, when He will show me how to be the mother of this child which He has given.  God's Gift to Mankind.  Praise your name, O Great Jehovah!  You have blessed me with your Son.  You have blessed my people with their Savior!

I can't help myself -- one last look before I go to sleep.  I touch His cheek and He smiles.  Oh, Baby, I love you so ....

Jesus stirs in His sleep.  The lantern is not burning now, though a Light still shines.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Julie Wilson

juliewilson1971@sbcglobal.net

My name is Julie Wilson.  I write for my own pleasure, and for my 9-year-old granddaughter.  I'm from Michigan, and as the storms of winter begin to rage around us this year, I'm cozy in my little lakeside house, thankful for my husband and for my family.  It's always a pleasure to read the stories in our little e-zine, and I'm grateful for an opportunity to share my little ditty with you!