Magnificat

Magnificat - Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

Miryam finally had a moment to see Yosef. He'd not been around much over the last few days. This was unusual for him. She wasn't sure what to say, or even how to approach him. Her nerves were on edge and she was more than just a little scared.

She put on her bravest smile as he walked into her father's home. "Shalom, Yosef."

"Shalom, Miry. Is your father home?" He greeted her with a warm smile and a peace deeper than the greeting she'd just offered. He was beyond peaceful. This bothered her a little.

"Yes. I will get him for you." She answered him, but with a tremble in her voice that told him she was worried about why he wanted to talk to her father and not to her.

"Yosef! Greetings. How are you? We've missed seeing you these last few days." They walked out of her hearing to continue their discussion. Miryam walked to her mother's side in the kitchen.

"Are you alright, child? You look as if you've seen a spirit."

"I'm scared, Mamma. Yosef is talking to Abba and I have a feeling it's for the," her voice broke at the thought of a divorce from Yosef. This wasn't exactly a love marriage, but he had courted her and they had come to care to some degree for one another.

"Don't worry, Miry. Yahweh will have His way. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

"Blessed be the name of the Lord." Miryam repeated.

Just as she'd finished, the two men walked back inside laughing. He stopped when her eyes met his and for a moment they were alone. He loved her with something that surpassed a man's wants and desires for a woman. He saw her now as so much more. In three short days this had all transpired, and now here he was, agreeing to be none other than an earthly father to the Mashiach... The Holy One promised to Israel so long ago. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"Miryam, I have heard from the Lord. What you have said, and what is happening, is from none other than Yahweh. Your father is still in agreement that our covenant has not been broken. I want you to come and live in my house ... as my wife."

Instead of running into Yosef's arms at his announcement, Miryam ran to her room, crying in relief.

"I will go see what is wrong." Anna said, but Joachim stopped her.

"Let Yosef go. They have much to shoulder, and they must learn to lean on the Lord, and one another." Anna nodded as Yosef walked into the next room.

* * * * * * * * * *

A hand on her shoulder comforted her. At first she assumed it was her father, for the hand's size was too large to be her mother's. She was corrected as soon as the one whose hand gently gripped her spoke.

"Miryam. Miry." He used both her proper name and her nickname. He had her attention. His voice was soft and comforting, yet strong in its authority. "Miry. Why are you crying?"

"Yosef. You are a caring and kind man. I am only crying because of joy. I have to confess I was worried you would put me away." She wanted to continue, but she didn't. Tears overwhelmed her yet again.

"Miry. The Lord has done this. I am only an instrument. You are His vessel. Together, we have the honor and responsibility of raising Mashiach. I'm as scared as a child in the dark, but I know Our Redeemer will carry us like a lamb. We say yes and He will direct us. Come with me. Let's build a life and raise His Son as our Son. Blessed be the Name of the Lord."

"Blessed be the Name of the Lord. The Lord our God; He is One." Miryam responded.

"Joachim and I set the feast for eight days. Is that enough time?" He asked, holding his breath. Some brides needed more than a few weeks to be ready.

"Eight days? Tomorrow would be enough time. Oh, Yosef, I am very blessed to be your wife."

"Oh, but it will be me who is blessed to have you as a wife." He brushed her hair back, which was stuck to her face with tears, and kissed her cheek, afraid to show any more affection before the wedding took place.

He then kissed her hands and took one as they walked back out to talk more about their plans with her parents.