In the Company of Sinners Chapter One

Chapter One


"Mary."
"Who's there?" Sitting up, Mary anxiously searches the early morning shadows of the room; certain she has heard someone call her name.
"Mary."
"Who's there? Show yourself." Startled, Mary clutches the blanket to her chin and continues to look frantically around the room. Suddenly, a blinding light illuminates the room around her. Shielding her eyes, Mary scurries into a corner and cowers in fear. Then appearing from within the light is a fair-haired man with piercing blue eyes and clothed in a pure white linen robe. Squeezing her eyes tightly shut, her voice shudders, “Who are you and what is it you want from me?”
“I am the angel Gabriel, and I greet you with a message from God."
Mary trembles and gasps for air as she feels her heart pound hard within her chest.
“Mary do not be afraid, for you are the one chosen by God to bring forth his son. You are to name the child Jesus, because he will be great and be called the Son of the Most High. God will bestow upon him the throne of David where he will rule over his kingdom forever.

Feeling less frightened but nonetheless confused, Mary cautiously edges her way out of the corner.
"How is this possible when I am still a virgin?”
Gabriel answers. “The Holy Spirit will descend upon you and through the power of God you will conceive.” That is why, the child you bear will be known as the Son of God.
Mary falls to her knees as she bows her bows her head. “The Lord’s will be done.” Lifting her head, she finds the room empty. Sitting back, she smiles as an incredible peace falls upon her.


The sun is slowly sinking below the distant horizon, as the fragrance of freshly baked bread and stewed meat fill the air. Mary, dressed in her simple pale blue tunic and cloak, casually leans against the doorway of her family home. Her home is in the small town of Nazareth, an obscure village, built out of the caves of a remote chalk ridge in the district of Galilee.
Behind her veil, she smiles as she watches several children laughing as they kick a ball of twine throughout the village courtyard. Her heart flutters as she daydreams about her own child to be born. Feeling a hand gently rest upon her shoulder, Mary turns to see her mother Anna standing behind her.
"Mary, walk with me as I need to go and get water and olives for our evening meal."
Picking up a large clay watering jar she begins the walk to the well that is located several meters outside the village. Placing her arm gently around her daughter’s shoulder, Anna asks. "Mary, is everything all right? I have noticed you seem somewhat distracted these past few days."
Mary feels a lump begin to form in the back of her throat. Biting down on her bottom lip, she grapples with how to answer. Should I tell her about the angels visit? If I do, will she believe me? Maybe I should wait until I have told Joseph. Why does she have to worry so much about me anyway?”
Stopping, Anna firmly turns Mary towards her.
“Mary, I asked you a question?”
“Oh mother, you worry too much and no there is nothing wrong." She snaps. Startled at her own tone of voice Mary feels her heart skip a beat. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to snap at you.”
With her arm once again wrapped around her daughter Anna again begins to walk.
“First of all it is my job to worry. Secondly, all I am saying is that, I know there has been a lot going on for you with your engagement to Joseph and that it is understandable if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed."
“Alright, I will admit that I am overwhelmed at the thought of being married, I just don’t understand why. Joseph is a loving and honorable man who will make a wonderful husband.
After a brief momentary silence, Mary asks. “Do you suppose I could go and visit with Elizabeth and Zachariah for a while?”

"I don’t see why not, you could use some time away and your cousin Elizabeth would certainly enjoy your company and being a woman of her age, I am certain that she would gladly welcome your help for a while."
"Thank you mother," she replies as she gently kisses her mother's cheek."
“Now hurry and finish drawing the water from the well, while I go and pick the olives." Mary sitting down on the edge of the well, watches as her mother walks towards the olive grove. Frustrated, she growls. “Why didn’t I tell her? How could someone who is so favored by God, be such a coward?” Tears begin to stream down Mary’s face.
"Pull yourself together!" She thinks to herself, "You must simply promise yourself that you will tell everyone the news upon your return from visiting with Elizabeth." Taking a deep breath, wipes her face, finishes drawing the water, and begins her walk back home.
The echoing cry of a rooster’s crow awakens Mary the next morning. Rubbing her eyes as she stretches she shuffles out to the front room where her mother is busily packing a small burlap sack with bread and fruit.
“Good morning Mary. Are you all ready for your trip?”
“Yes, all I need is to gather up my things.” Tying the sack tightly shut Anna hands it to her. “There is no time for you to eat before leaving, so here is some bread and fruit for you to eat. Now hurry and gather your things, the caravan will be leaving shortly.”
Mary retuning to the back room quickly rolls up her sleeping mat grabs her extra cloak and tunic and goes outside to where her mother is waiting. Hugging her daughter tightly, “you have a safe trip and please send Elizabeth and Zachariah my love.” Giving her mother a final kiss Mary replies. “I will”. Mary slowly begins walking to where the caravan is waiting.
The caravan is waiting at a small clearing outside of town. Several women stand chatting as they wait for the men to finish loading the donkeys with a variety of spices and fabric for trade. Tossing her things onto the rickety wooden cart and takes a seat. Opening the small burlap sack she nibbles on her bread and fruit while waiting for the caravan to leave. She hopes that having something on her stomach will help with the unsettled feeling she always experiences when riding on the cart. Feeling the cart begin to move quickly makes a cushion out of her extra cloak and tucks it beneath her. Leaning back, she closes her eyes and tries to sleep. The constant squeaky wheels, bumps, and jolts make sleeping impossible.

"Hello, is anyone home?" Mary calls as she knocks and slowly pushes open the wooden door. A bit worn from her four-day journey through the desert heat and sand, Mary puts down her things, wipes the sweat from her brow as she smiles and breathes a sigh of relief at finally reaching her destination.
"Mary!" Elizabeth cries, while rushing out from the back room to hug her. "Oh it is so good to see you."
Mary quickly steps back from their embrace, her eyes fixated on Elizabeth’s protruding waistline. “It's true! You are with child, just as it was told to me.”
"Told to you by whom, Mary?"
"God’s angel Gabriel, he came and told me how I am God’s chosen one and how I am going to give birth to a son. I am to name him Jesus because he will be great and be called the Son of the Most High."
“Oh my,” Elizabeth exclaims her eyes beaming as she gently embraces her stomach. “This child is leaping for joy, for even he knows of the child you carry. You and your child have received the Lord’s blessing above all others. Now, what have I done to deserve a visit from the mother of the Messiah?
“Oh Elizabeth I am bursting with joy and had to tell someone of how I am God’s chosen one. I knew you would understand my joy and excitement.”

Later that day, in the cool dark hours of the evening, Mary and Elizabeth sit mending by the warm flickering light of an oil lamp.
"Mary, may I ask if you have told Joseph that you are with child?"
“No, I have not yet told him. I have not even told my own mother.” Mary frowns, watching as her hands busily work with the cloth.
"Why have you not told them of your wonderful news?"
"I am worried how they will receive the news. Why, I still remember how stunned I was when the news was first told to me."
"Mary, you should not worry yourself with such things." Elizabeth assures her, “In His time the Lord will open their eyes to the truth and they too shall be joyful."
"Elizabeth your words bring me such comfort. How is it that you have come to be so wise?"
"Through faith I have found much wisdom, and your faith too shall bring you much wisdom. Glancing over Elizabeth sees Mary yawn while struggling to keep her eyes open. Taking the cloth from her, Elizabeth gently kisses the top of her head. “Mary you look exhausted, please go, and get some rest. I will stay and finish the mending.”
“Good night Elizabeth I will see you in the morning.” After one final hug, she goes and lies down. Within minutes, Mary falls fast asleep.
Mary awakens the next morning to find Elizabeth and Zachariah busily preparing a few homemade garments to trade at the town market. “Good morning Mary,” Elizabeth’s voice chirps. “How did you sleep?”
“Very well thank you; a good night’s sleep is just what I needed. Good morning Zachariah.” Nodding his head, he waves to Mary as he proceeds outside. Mary nudging Elizabeth’s arm questions, “Is Zachariah angry with me? He has not spoken one word to me since I arrived.”
“He is not angry with you Mary; he has lost the ability to speak.”
“How did he simply lose the ability to speak?”
“Here, help me carry these garments out to the donkey and I will explain everything on the way.” Mary picking up a few garments follows Elizabeth outside, closing the door behind her. After loading and securing, the garments to the donkey the two begin their walk to the market.
“Now about Zachariah, it was during his service at the temple that this all happened. As he filled the altar with fresh incense before the morning sacrifice, he noticed the Lord’s angel Gabriel standing at the right side of the altar. The angel told Zachariah that God had heard his prayers for a son. Gabriel told him that I would bear him a son and that his name was to be John. The angel went on to tell him how John would be a delight to him and many others and would be great in the sight of the Lord. He even told him how John would never drink any fermented drink and that the Holy Spirit will dwell in him even from birth. Gabriel told him that John would lead many of Israel back to the Lord. After hearing, all this Zachariah questioned how he could be sure that it was all to be. As a punishment for his lack of faith the Lord struck him speechless until the birth of our son.”

Mary shakes her head in disbelief. “It is so hard to believe that Zachariah would suffer such a loss of faith.” Entering the market place Mary and Elizabeth stop to rest.
Lifting Mary’s head Elizabeth looks into Mary’s eyes. “We all have a sinful nature even Zachariah and me.” Mary shakes her head in agreement.
“Well now, let’s go see who might be interested in these garments I made.” Mary and Elizabeth spend the morning trading the garments while enjoying each other’s company.
Over the coming three months, Mary spends her days helping Elizabeth with a variety of daily chores. She sweeps the floors, cooks the meals, and carries water from well. While the work is hard, Mary enjoys their time together as they share with each other all their hopes and dreams for the future.
It is early morning when Elizabeth’s first birth pains begin. With every passing hour, her birth pains intensify, coming stronger and more frequent. Zachariah anxiously paces the front room floor as he listens intently for the first cries of his new son. Mary, upon hearing Zachariah’s pacing emerges from the back room. “Zachariah, please try and relax, Elizabeth’s pains are progressing, and I promise it won’t be much longer.” Zachariah hugs Mary tightly as to say thank you for her assistance with his wife.
“Mary!” Elizabeth’s voice cries from the back room. “Come quickly.” Mary quickly releasing herself from their embrace returns to the back room. The back room falls silent. Zachariah places his ear to the door hoping to hear something. His heart races with anticipation, as the minutes pass like hours.
Then out of the silence comes the cry of a new baby. Zachariah falls to his knees as the words “thank you Lord, thank you Lord” goes repeatedly through his mind. Hearing the creak of the back room door Zachariah turns to see Mary standing there cradling the baby in her arms. “Zachariah,” she asks. “Would you like to hold your new son?” With one hand, she helps Zachariah to his feet and then gently places the baby into his arms. He gazes longingly into the eyes of his son, his heart filled with new hope for him and his people.
It’s is early morning eight days after the baby’s birth when the temple priest arrives to perform the circumcision. The house is filled with excited friends and family who have gathered to share in the joyous occasion. Seeing Elizabeth and the baby come out from the back room everyone stands and says, “May he who cometh be blessed.” The priest then prays. “Lord God of Israel, in accordance with your covenant with Abraham we have come here today to circumcise the son of Zachariah and Elizabeth. We ask that you bless them their son and all those who are witness to it, amen.”
Elizabeth then places the baby on a wooden bench in front of the priest. “Praised by Thou Oh Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with Thy commandments, and commanded us concerning circumcision.” The baby cries as the circumcision is performed but quickly settles after the priest places a few drops of blessed wine into his mouth. “May God continue to bless the family of Zachariah and may their son grow to be a strong and righteous man.”
After picking up the baby the priest then says. “Creator of the Universe, may it be Thy gracious will to regard and accept this circumcision as is I had brought the baby before Thy glorious throne. My you through your abundant mercy give a pure and holy heart to Zachariah. Before the priest can say another word Elizabeth interjects.
“No his name is to be John.” she exclaims. Those in the room begin talking and whispering amongst themselves confused about Elizabeth’s statement. The priest pulling her aside asks.
“Elizabeth no one in your family is named John, why do want to name your son that?
“It is the name given to Zachariah by God, and that is what he is to be named. Taken back by Elizabeth’s insistence, he motions for Zachariah.
“Zachariah what mane are we to give your son? Pulling out a small wooden writing board he writes. “His name is John.” Immediately his ability to speak was restored.
“Praise God!” he shouts.

"I've had such a lovely visit." Mary says, as she gives her and Zachariah a final hug, before leaving for her journey back home. Looking back only once, a tear of joy slips down Mary's cheek as she waves a final goodbye.
Mary exchanges only a few pleasant words among the members of the small caravan of riders as she journeys home. Her heart is overflowing with joy as she reflects on the conversations that she has recently shared with Elizabeth. Relaxing in her seat, Mary's face soon begins to glow as her heart fills with the peace and assurance that all is well. She can only imagine the impact that the news will have on Joseph and her family. Nevertheless, she cannot help but to glorify God for the great gift He has given her, for she realizes the great blessing this child will be to her and her people for generations to come.

The caravan has hardly come to a complete stop when grabbing her things she jumps down and hurries home.
“Mother, I’m home. She cries as she enters the house.
“Mary, her mother exclaims while hugging and kissing her daughter. “Oh how I have missed you. So how was your visit with Elizabeth and Zachariah?”
Putting her things away Mary answers. “Oh mother it was wonderful, visiting them was just what I needed it. Have you heard the news that Elizabeth gave birth to a son?
“Really, I thought that was just another rumor. It is so wonderful how the Lord has blessed them both. I am going to the well we can talk more later.
”Mother on your way would you please stop and tell Joseph I need to speak with him.”
“Certainly, I will stop and speak with him before going to the well.”
Hugging her mother, “thank you mother and I promise that I will tell you more about my visit tonight at dinner.”

Mary cannot open the door fast enough when she hears Joseph's knock.
"Hurry, come in, I have the most wonderful news to tell you."
Quickly taking a seat at the table, Joseph is eager to hear Mary's news.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed and not sure where to begin, Mary takes a deep breath and sits across the table from Joseph.
"A few days before I went to visit Elizabeth, the Lord's angel Gabriel came to deliver a message to me. He told me that I am the one chosen by God to give birth to his son. I am to name him Jesus because He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High."
Joseph, suddenly at a complete loss for words, begins pacing back and forth across the room as he scratches his head in disbelief.
Mary gently grabbing his arm replies. “Joseph, aren’t you happy about this?"
Turning to face her Joseph places his hands on her shoulders. “Yes, I am overjoyed at the thought of Israel's Messiah being so close at hand. I am concerned about is what the temple priests will do to you once they have heard your claim that you, a simple poor Jewish girl from Galilee, is to give birth to the Messiah."
Taking a step back from him Mary replies. “Joseph what I have just told you is not a claim; it is the truth.
"Mary, I love you and have never known you to tell anything apart from the truth, but this is all so hard to believe. Are you sure that you are not just confused by a dream you had?"
"No, I am not confused! I myself did not believe what had happened until I went to visit Elizabeth and saw that she too was going to have a child just as it was told to me."
"How can a women her age have a child and besides everyone knows she’s barren."
"Don’t you see, anything is really possible through God."
Now more confused then ever, Joseph sits back down in the chair.
"Joseph, are you all right?" Mary's voice reflects her concern.
“Yes I will be fine. He replies while nodding his head. I just need a few days to think about all that you have told me."
"Take all the time you need.” Lowering her head, she continues to speak just above a whisper. “I know it is a lot to deal with all at once."
As they stand by the door, a brief moment of silence passes between them. Unable to make eye contact, both reflect on the words spoken.
"I will come back and speak with you in a few days, after I have had some time to think.” Joseph assures Mary, as he reaches for the doorknob.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Mary closes the door behind him. She is saddened that Joseph did not immediately believe her but is relieved that at least now he knows of her great news. Her heart is at peace knowing that in time God will open both Joseph’s heart and mind to accepting what she has said as the truth.


Joseph with his head hung low slowly walks home barely acknowledging the various friends and family that greet him along the way. A nod of the head is all he can muster as his mind struggles to make sense of his conversation with Mary. "How is any of this possible?" He thinks to himself. "Why would the God of Israel possibly place something as important as this in the hands of a mere peasant girl?" Certainly, the church officials would never believe Mary's claim that her pregnancy is a result of a miracle performed by God.”
Joseph knows that they will surely stone her for committing adultery. Joseph's heart agonizes over the situation at hand. He loves Mary dearly and wants nothing more then to make her his wife. In doing so, he knows he risks having her stoned once her condition becomes evident. He knows in his heart there was but one thing he could do to prevent her from being stoned. Divorce is his only option; to do so now would satisfy the church elders and keep Mary from being stoned.

Joseph walking into his home falls to his knees, and cries out. “Lord, I love Mary dearly and want nothing more then to bring her home as my wife, please tell me what I am to do. Am I to believe Mary and bring her home as my wife or am I to quietly divorce her to save her from public disgrace and stoning.” With his heart in agony, Joseph presses his face hard into the dirt floor as tears stream down his face and slowly begin to form a puddle underneath his face.
Joseph restlessly paces the floor waiting for an answer from God. Hours pass and Joseph hears nothing. Yawning Joseph lies down and tries to sleep.

Later that evening after lying awake for several hours, Joseph is finally able to drift off to sleep. After being asleep for only a short while Joseph finds himself in the midst of a strange dream. Through A cloudy mist, he finds himself in the presence of an angel. Consumed with fear, Joseph tosses and turns struggling to wake himself. Then in a resounding voice, the angel speaks. "Joseph do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife. For all she has told you is the truth. She is with child through the power of the Holy Spirit and will give birth to a son. After he is born you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins." The angel then leaves Joseph.
The next morning cannot come quickly enough for Joseph. With his heart racing, he awakes from a brief rest and rushes to Mary's home.
"Mary! Mary!" Joseph calls as he frantically pounds on the door. Mary rushes to open the door.
"Joseph, what on earth is the matter?”
"Oh, Mary I was wrong for not believing you when you told me about the child you are carrying. An angel visited me and confirmed everything you told me. Can you ever forgive me for not first believing you?"
"Joseph, there is nothing to forgive.” Mary smiles endearingly, "I knew that in God's time He would open your eyes to the truth."
A joyful Mary and Joseph spend the better part of the day praising God for all that he was about to do for them but for his people also.