Lo, a Star

By Mary Lou Merryman

Everyone knows the story of Christmas. But how much do we know about Mary? What must she have felt, thought, dreamed or imagined when she was chosen by God to bear His Son? What went through her young mind as she experienced the miracle of the new life growing within her?

Lo, a Star chronicles nine months in the life of the special young woman who would become the Mother of Jesus. Marys emotional and spiritual journey, as well as her physical one, is explored, culminating in the long and arduous trip to Bethlehem with Joseph. Travel with her as she faces her own fears and doubts, and comes to understand her holy destiny.

This is a story of faith and love, of trust and hope, and the awesome power of God. Through Marys experiences, you will see that no matter what challenges you may encounter in life, you do not have to face them alone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inspiring Voices
• Release date: Oct 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781462411016

Mary Lou Merryman

Mary Lou Merryman graduated from the University of Maryland and the Methodist Theological Seminary of Ohio. She and her husband are co-pastors of two churches in Central Ohio. They have three daughters, nine grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. She felt called by God to write Lo, a Star, her first book.

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Copyright © 2015 Mary Lou Merryman.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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ISBN: 978-1-4624-1100-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4624-1101-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015900528

Inspiring Voices rev. date: 10/27/2015

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1    Mary’s Visitor

Chapter 2    Joseph

Chapter 3    Elizabeth

Chapter 4    Coming Home

Chapter 5    The Dream

Chapter 6    A Wedding

Chapter 7    Memories

Chapter 8    The Journey

Chapter 9    Lo, a Star

Chapter 10    Day Three

Chapter 11    Day Four

Chapter 12    Jerusalem

Epilogue

After Thoughts

For  Harry,

My husband and friend, with all my love,

and many thanks for your loving

guidance and encouragement.

Introduction

S ome of our journeys in this life are not easy. They lead us into times of darkness that challenge us physically, mentally and spiritually. But we do not have to face life’s trials alone, we can turn to God who sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to bring Light into the darkness. And, as this story tells, when we trust in God, we will receive signs that God is with us to help us on our way.

This narrative came to me during the Christmas season as I thought about the Magi, who after seeing a new star in the heavens, prepared for a journey in the hopes of visiting and honoring an infant they believed to be a new king for the Jews. It relies heavily on the Bible, but in some areas depends on traditional lore and my own understanding.

Chapter One

Mary’s Visitor

M ary was alone, and praying that hot, sultry afternoon. Even as a young child, Mary had spent time each day talking with her Lord. The small room where she knelt was in shadow; the single window heavily draped against the sun’s relentless rays and the stifling heat.

Even though her eyes were closed, the brilliant light that suddenly filled the room drew Mary’s attention and she instinctively turned toward the window. The curtains were still in place, but the room now glowed brightly, a great light reflecting off the weathered woven threads.

Startled, Mary felt a tingle of fear as she twisted around to try to discover the source of this strange light. The