[Kahn]

continued

Late one hot late June evening in 1972, Mary and Zachariah were watching “All in the Family” in the living room. Elizabeth had been in the bedroom, napping, when she appeared at the doorway, while Mary and Zachariah were still laughing at Sammy Davis Jr. kissing Archie.

“Zachariah, Mary...”

“Yes Beth?” asked Mary.

“I'm not sure, but I think, I think that the baby's coming...”

“Oh my,” said Mary. “Zachariah, start up the car!”

Zachariah nodded and rushed out. Mary got the suitcase from out of her cousin's room and fifteen minutes later they were at the hospital. Mary stayed by Elizabeth as she went through labor, while Zachariah waited outside(which was how it was back then.) After 18 hours, early the next afternoon, Elizabeth's son was born.

The next day all of the neighbors and relatives who lived nearby came to see the newborn. It was so exhausting, having a newborn baby, a pregnant woman, and a mute man, that all of these relatives, although well-meaning, were a lot to handle. Mary was afraid, of course, to let anybody see her pregnant, so she stayed hidden away.

On the third day after John was born, there came a familiar knock at the door. Mary fled upstairs into the guest room while Elizabeth answered the door. Faintly, she could here,

“Hello Elizabeth! Congratulations! I just can't wait to see the little bundle of joy!”

Mary's jaw dropped. That was Salome's voice. Salome her younger sister.

“Why, Salome, what are doing here? Are you're parents with you,” asked Elizabeth slightly nervous.

“No, they wanted to come, but they couldn't make it. And where's my sister anyway! It's been way too long...”

“Oh, well, uh Mary, went out, just now, to buy some diapers...” said Elizabeth.

“Too bad. I'll catch her later than, I guess. Hello Zachariah.”

“Oh, I'm sorry to say Zach has laryngitis,” Elizabeth said while Zachariah waved. Elizabeth hoped God would forgive her for telling these lies.

“So, where's the baby! It's a boy, isn't it?”

“Yes it is, he's right in here. He's sleeping right now so make sure not to make any noise.”

They crept into the nursery and looked at the baby.

“So, what is he called. My dad said you were going to name him after his father.”

“No, no. His name is John. John Baldwin Abijah.”

“John? But why John? That's such an old-fashioned common name.”

Zachariah heard this an got angry. He stood up, and pulled a little Baby Name book from a drawer. He turned to John and showed it to Salome. It read “God is Gracious”. Salome was confused, but she didn't take much notice of it.

Mary was listening to all of this from upstairs. She touched her stomach, and felt courage. She had to tell her, and everyone, eventually. And now was as good a time as any. Mary went halfway down the stairs before she became afraid again. So, instead she called out,

“Salome!”

Salome heard this and looked around.

“Mary, is that you? I thought you were at the store? Where are you?”

“I'm, I'm here upstairs.”

Salome ran to go see her, still talking before she even saw her.

“Oh Mary, it's so great to hear you again. I hope you come home soon. Can you believe Elizabeth having a baby, at her age? I...”

Salome had just came to the foot of the stairs. Mary wasn't far along yet, so she wasn't sure what she was seeing. So she closer.

“Mary...”

“Hello Salome.”

“Mary, are you pregnant!”

“Yes. Yes Salome I am. That's why I came here. I was so afraid of you, and mom and dad, and especially Joseph seeing me like this. But I knew I couldn't keep this secret forever.”

“Mary! Is, is it's Joseph's?”

“No,” was all she could say. She was so terrified, she knew she wouldn't believe the truth.

“No! Mary, how could you do this to poor Joseph! Who's the father than, is it that Billy from school, or...”

“No. No, sis, you don't understand. There is no father. Well, actually, there is, but not like you think. Salome, I, I don't know how to say this, but, this baby I'm carrying, it's ... it's the child of God.”

“What?”

“It's true,” said Elizabeth.

Elizabeth and Zachariah had appeared behind her. Zachariah nodded.

“What are you people talking about?”

“It's a very very long story, but you're going to have to believe me sis,” said Mary.

“Yes. Here, let us explain everything. I know you won't believe it, but you're going to have to have faith,” said Elizabeth.

Half an hour later, they had explained to Salome everything that had happened since the angel Gabriel had appeared to Zachariah. Salome was too shocked to say anything while they were speaking, but once they were done she said,

“I...I don't know why I believe this. This all sounds so impossible. But I do believe. This is awesome! I mean, it's just so groovy, you know, how God has chosen you to carry these babies. It's so incredible!”

“Oh thank goodness!” said Mary. “I'm so glad that you believe us. Please, please, please, you've gotta help me explain this to mom and dad!”

“Of course...”

“Let us praise the Lord our God!”

Everyone turned in shock. Zachariah had just spoken. He, like Mary felt so filled with the Holy Spirit he could not help but sing.

“He has come to help his people and set them free!

He has given us a Messiah!

Who will save us from our sins!

He has made good on his promise of long ago!

To save us from our enemies!

From the power of those who hate us!

He said he would show mercy on us!

And now he is fulfilling his covenant!

With a solemn vow he gave this promise!

And now we will all be saved!

Now we can serve him without fear!

And see him in all his holy righteousness!

And have eternal life!”

He paused, and went to the crib and picked up his son.

“You, my son, will be called a prophet of the Most High God!

You will go ahead of the Lord!

To prepare the way for him!

To tell the people His message!

And having them repent their sins!

God is merciful and caring!

He will shine the light of salvation on us!

The light of heaven to shine even on those in the darkness of death!

To guide us on the path to peace!”

Mary and Salome stay with the Abijahs one more night before going back home. And as for John, he grew up healthily in both body and spirit. But what will happen to him will have to wait.