Four

Ruth’s mother was even less pleased when, over the next few days, half the town came shuffling in, asking to see the baby. “I knew those shepherds were trouble, prattling on about angels and whatnot,” she said. She tried to keep the visitors away, saying that mother and child needed rest. Joseph too was protective. But Mary was calm and welcomed the visitors who did make it past her watchful guardians, showing off her baby with pride and love.

A month after the child was born, Mary, Joseph and the baby prepared to travel to the temple in Jerusalem, to dedicate him to God and give thanks Mary’s safety after childbirth. “Will you take a lamb as sacrifice?” Ruth asked, thinking of the shepherds- and especially, truth be told, of Joshua, the young shepherd.

“We can’t afford a lamb,” Mary said. “But the law says we may take two doves or young pigeons instead, so that will be all right. We will come back here afterwards if we may. I don’t feel ready yet for the long journey back to Nazareth. And Joseph has been offered some carpentry work here in Bethlehem. You have all been so kind.” She looked up at Ruth’s mother, who was bringing food.

“Well, I hope all folk would be kind to a young woman in your situation,” Ruth’s mother replied. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you need.”

*****

A few days later at dusk, Ruth was yet again collecting water when she saw Mary and Joseph coming back up the road to Bethlehem. She hurried back to the house to tell her mother, and was ready to set water for washing and food and drink in front of them when they arrived. Joseph ate and drank quietly, as if he had something on his mind. Mary fed the crying baby and soothed him to sleep, before sitting down wearily herself to eat.

“I’m so tired,” she said to Ruth. “Not just from the walking, but Jerusalem is so busy, so many people all with things to do and places to go. The temple especially, with all the money changers, the animal sellers, the people shouting and crying out for money, or to sell you things- it is hard to focus on God. Especially when you are a woman and cannot go into the inner court.”

“You saw the priest, and offered sacrifice, though?” Ruth’s mother said.

“Yes.” Mary turned as the baby began to cry again, and picked him up. “Oh my child, will you not let your mother eat in peace?”

“Let me hold him while you eat,” Ruth said. “Maybe he just wants to know someone’s there.”

“Yes, try if you like,” Mary said, handing the baby over. Ruth rocked him gently, looking down at the tiny face and wondering why it reminded her of her dream- the mysterious feeling of love mixed with sadness.

Calmed by the human touch, the baby soon went back to sleep, and Ruth carried on holding him while Mary and Joseph ate. Mary looked over at him.

“He’s a beautiful child, Joseph,” she said softly.

“All babies are, to women,” Joseph said, but with a softness in his own voice that showed he really agreed with Mary.

“All the things that the old man said- and the old woman. Do you really think they will come true?”

“If it is God’s will, I suppose they must,” Joseph replied.

“What things? Was this when you were at the temple?” Ruth asked.

“Yes,” Mary said. “There was an old man there- Simeon, I think his name way- I think he was a priest. He said beautiful things about the child- like a prophecy. That he will be the glory of Israel, and a light to those who are not Israelites, so that they may see God. And there was an old woman, Anna. They say she practically lives at the temple, praying and fasting and worshipping God. She knew too, and told others who were worshipping with her. We were the centre of attention for a few minutes.” Mary smiled. “I don’t think the other priests were too happy about it.”

“Well, it’s all very nice, but for most of us all we can hope for is that our children will be good as they grow and take care of us in our old age,” Ruth’s mother said. “I hope he will be a blessing to you both, as he grows. And now I’m off to bed, and so should you be, after your journey.” She left the room.

Ruth looked up at Mary. “He’s certainly attracted a lot of attention for such a little baby! And I think he’s beautiful too. I’m sure people will always love him.”

“I hope so.” But Mary’s face was troubled. “The old man we saw today- he said the child will cause the rising and falling of many in Israel. I think he will have a hard time of it, when he grows up. And he told me that a sword will pierce my own soul, too.”

“A sword! Did he mean there will be a battle? Against the Legions?”

“I don’t think he meant a real sword. I think he meant a great sorrow.” Mary reached out for the child, who was waking up, with tears in her eyes. “May God give me the strength to bear it.”

Ruth went to bed very thoughtful. Mary and Joseph clearly believed their child was special. Ruth might have dismissed that- after all, didn’t all parents think their child was special?- if it wasn’t for the shepherds, and for that strange feeling that came over her whenever she saw the child. Who was he, this child who old men and women greeted with joy and prophesy?