The Angel and the Midwife

By Becca Fagersten Fillmore

Visitors are swarming Bethlehem due to the mandatory census and tax. For Hannah and her husband, this means business for their already busy inn. For Hannah's sister, Bayla, the most sought-after midwife, this means aiding tired traveling pregnant women in relieving premature labor pains or even delivering premature babies. On top of the extra work for Bayla, her grief over the loss of her husband and her child seems unbearable. Will she ever stop hurting? Will she ever feel like she belongs? Should she even be a midwife anymore? Little does Bayla know the change that will take place within her when her guardian angel, Muriel, is sent out to help her heal. Muriel will ensure Bayla is ready to give aid to a pregnant traveler named Mary, who is about to deliver a child that will change not only Bayla, but the world. The Angel and the Midwife offers a unique perspective of the traditional account of Jesus Christ's birth and focuses on the gift Jesus Christ gave the world by entering it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9781644712016

Book preview

Acknowledgment

Special thanks to my mom and dad Katherine and Gary Fagersten, and mother in-law and father in-law Vonnie and Brent Fillmore.

1

Bayla

Hannah’s strong hands kneaded the dough with familiarity, as if it was an extension of her body. She sang a song from our childhood that was as much a part of her as the dough. She was beautiful in her element, content. I looked out the window, my mending resting on my lap. The kitchen air was thick with the smell of baking bread. Sounds of children playing, shoppers haggling, rejoicing of old friends’ meeting, and animals being led to their stables floated through the window and harmonized with Hannah’s song.

I’ve never seen Bethlehem like this, I said. I looked back at Hannah. It was never so crowded when we were children.

Well, I suppose this is what happens when everyone must return to their birth cities for a census and tax, Hannah said. She continued kneading methodically. Of course, Peter loves the business. The inn doesn’t have a vacancy for more than a few hours, even with our increased rates! I’ve never made so much bread in my life. Hannah set the dough aside to rise, she went on, It’s been interesting seeing so many of our childhood playmates come back with their families, don’t you think?

Yes, I said, with a smile and half laugh, Our cousin, Simon, has really changed, hasn’t he? We used to get scolded as small children because we would play outside until after dark.

And when you two finally came inside, you would sneak off with a loaf of Mother’s bread.

And… I laughed. We’d have it half eaten before she found us! Hannah joined in on the laughter.

And he used to be so skinny! Skin and bones, nothing more! I continued.

Martha was always a good cook. Leave it to her to thicken his waist, Hannah said.

It’s true. I was always jealous of the way she could watch her mother cook something then turn around and do it better.

Of course, that was a source of pride for her family, and no doubt, something Simon’s family considered when the match was made!

We laughed as we remembered Simon’s parents who were always a bit taller and wider than the other parents we knew, while their son was the smallest of the boys his age. They were always talking about how they were trying to plump him up.

Well, Hannah continued, he looks just like his father now. His age gave him the height, and Martha gave him the width!

I laughed. Hannah could always make me laugh.

Did you see him with all of his children? Hannah asked, pausing from her work when she saw I was a fully engaged audience. He looked as if he was herding cats! She started imitating him then threw her hands up with laughter. And he was always claiming that he would only have one son. ‘One Son,’ he’d say, ‘I have no need for children after that!’

My smile lessened. And to think I would do anything for just one, I said with a sigh.

Oh, Bayla! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—

It’s all right. I waved her off. I’m all right.

She quickly sat down by me, wiped her hands on her tunic, and took my hand. It must not burden you, you can’t help what happened.

I knew she was trying to be helpful, but the pain was still potent. I know, but with all my years of being a midwife, you would think I would have seen the signs.

You know more than anyone that sometimes there is nothing you can do. These things just happen.

I know, I just… I think it would be easier to bear if David were still here.

This time my sister said nothing. She wrapped her arms around me and just hugged me for a long time. She kissed my cheek, pulled back, and looked into my eyes. Her kind round face told me that she knew she could say nothing to help me feel better, but in true Hannah fashion, she tried anyway.

He got so sick. There was nothing—

It’s been a year, I interrupted trying to smile. I’m all right.

She smiled back, only half believing me.

Well, the women of Bethlehem delight in you being back. Her words sounded like a song of rejoicing. She got up to continue her work. They did not know what to do those three years you and David lived in Nazareth. Of course, that didn’t stop Elisabeth from having someone fetch you when it was her time to deliver.

I smiled at the memory. Elisabeth and I had been playmates as children and confidants as we grew older. I looked after her early in her pregnancy but married David during her fourth month. Leaving her in my mother’s care was a comfort, for my mother was the most sought-after midwife in Bethlehem. But we all knew I would be there for the birth of Elisabeth’s child.

Before we married, I told David of my wishes to return to Bethlehem for the delivery. His consent was the first glimpse of his kind-hearted nature I came to love and found myself longing for after he passed away.

Hannah interrupted my thoughts, After Mother died, the women here felt lost. The other midwives are skilled—don’t misunderstand—they were just not the same as Mother. So again, having you back has been wonderful for Bethlehem. You’ve become better than she was.

Hardly, Mother was the best.

"Don’t underestimate yourself sister. You have her gift and