(AN: For simplicity's sake, I've made a huge error [seen in Joshua the King of Heaven]. I hope you'll pardon me for it. In case you don't notice, it was concerning Joanna and her husband [which I made Cleopah, rather than Chuza]. I am of a mind to either go back and change it, [which would mean writing another "Miriam" character into my story], or coming up with another option that allows me to have had Joanna married first to Chuza, divorced and now married to Cleopah. Which should I do?)

(This story looks promising, that much is certain. However, as with the previous chapter, there are some moments that will make you scratch your heads. Trust me, I am not mysoginstic [probably, if I say so myself, the biggest pro-feminist in male society]: it is for the cultural and societal context ONLY.)

(Now enjoy the new chapter)


Birthday Stories

Sivan, 31 A.D.

The Upper Room was packed almost beyond capacity. All the tables and couches had been moved aside to give room to the one hundred and twenty packed together in the room, and even that was not enough. The stairs were packed with people standing all the way to the bottom step, eager to hear everything that was being said. The servants' closet had been cleaned out, both doors were open and people were sitting there, eager to hear what would transpire here this day. Just the sound of creaking wood made them fearful lest the whole upper room should cave in and they all perish.

At the farthest end of the room, where the eyes of all were now directed, was the very place where, not but three and forty days ago, the Twelve sat with the Master and ate. Now the Eleven sat there, with all the others gathered in a tight group around them, or in the closet or up on the stairs. They came in small groups, pairs, or even one by one, and what with so little room, they could not arrange themselves as in the fashion of the gatherings of the synagogue. So the men and the women sat together, somewhat, all in equal hearing of the speaker.

"Brothers and sisters," Peter said, once all were assembled. "I am no cohen, therefore I will permit Nicodemus, our dear brother among the Sanhedrin, to read from the psalms of David the King."

Old Nicodemus rose from his place, a copy of the Psalms in his hands. After losing the scroll and folding it back, he began to read therefrom.

"'Hold not Thy peace, O God of my praise; for the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer. And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love. Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand. When he shall be judged, let him be condemned; and let his prayer become sin. Let his days be few; and let another take his charge.'"

They knew not what to say of this, so just murmuring a quiet and somber "Amen". Nicodemus rolled the scroll up again, then returned the speaking floor to Peter.

"This," he said. "Which the Ruach HaKodesh spoke through David the King, concerning before-hand the treachery of Judah the Traitor, must needs be fulfilled. He was numbered with us and took part in our ministry, and his office, now, must be given to another. Therefore..." He stood up from those about. "Of you gathered here, who have been with the LORD Joshua from baptism of John Bar-Zachariah until now, we shall choose from among you one to be a witness with us of His resurrection."

"If I may speak," John Mark interjected. Peter nodded. "I would like to nominate Miriam of Magdala, a disciple of us disciples if ever there was one."

At this, cynical old Nathanael gave a chuckle of amusement.

"You are young and naive, Marcus," Nathanael said. "The Torah clearly states that the word of two witnesses shall be truth."

"So?" John Mark asked. "How is that an issue?"

"We were commanded to go out two by two," Nathanael stated. "Is that not so?"

Andrew nodded, with some of the others slowly adding in their affirmation.

"However," Nathanael concluded. "It would take at least two women to account for the witness of one man, and if we were to take two, we would not rightly be the Twelve."

"How is that fair or just?" Joanna asked. "The Master never showed favoritism to men or women. Why should we?"

"Forgive me, ladies," Nathanael nodded. "I do not mean this as an affront to your sex, but in regards to the Torah. For we shall be spreading this Gospel of the Kingdom to the people of Israel first, and they will not believe us if..."

"Many did not believe even when Joshua was with us," Philip interrupted. "How will they believe us now, especially with the Sanhedrin dogging our every step?"

At this, a hand rose up and one stood up from the crowd, a man of about thirty years of age.

"Your pardon, brothers," the new-comer said. "My name is Lucas, a physician by trade. I hail from Antioch, but was in Jerusalem for the Passover. I've witnessed the bravery of each and every one of you, in keeping with your faith in the Master, regardless of our current situation. I do not ask for this high honor, it is too great for me. But I would have the other disciples and all you present mark my words: before the Kingdom of Heaven is come, I doubt not that women will have as much place in the Kingdom as any one of us."

This was rather difficult for them to accept, since, having grown up as they had, women did not have as big a place as Lucas the physician was suggesting they would.

"I say," Peter stated. "We continue with the election. We need nominations for the position."

"I nominate Joseph Barsabas Justus!" Thaddaeus said. "He's a good man, one of John's disciples. He's followed the Master ever since we were told to do so by John. He was among the Seventy, and has already been given the gift of healing the sick."

"Who else seconds the nomination of Barsabas?" Peter asked. Several others grumbled in agreement. "Are there any other nominations?"

James rose from where he sat next to Peter.

"Matthias," he said. "A more generous man I have not known, save for Joshua Himself. He was even with our most excellent Cleopah, who saw the Master when He was risen. He also has been with us for just as long, and has been party to the blessing of the Seventy."

Others voiced their agreements. Before the voices could rise into a clamour of disagreement, Peter rose up and called the others to prayer. They nodded, bowing their heads, and then he began.

"LORD," he said. "Thou who knows the hearts of men: let it be known to us now which of these two have been chosen by Thee to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom and to heal the sick, according to Thy will."

"Amen!" was added by one and all.

Not but a few moments passed by between them when Thomas stated: "I think we should cast lots." This met the approval of all those present, and they all began gathering around Peter and the others. With little room to move, this was not the easiest or most pleasant thing that occured in the Upper Room.

The Eleven, having already cast their votes, save for Peter, who was the foreman, remained mostly with the rest of the group, eager to see the outcome of the cast. One, however, separated himself from the group and pushed his way to the side of Lucas the physician.

"Philip, right?" Lucas asked.

"Yes, I am one of the Twelve," Philip said. "Well, 'eleven', more like it. I have something to ask you, if I may."

Lucas nodded.

"Why did you speak out on behalf of the women?" Philip questioned.

"Why not?" Lucas replied. "I'm a doctor, I visit many who are sick and afflicted, young and old, male and female. I know the burden women carry from day-to-day. The Master did not neglect women in His ministry, and neither should we."

Just then, Peter's boisterous voice called the assembly to attention. Though they made a tumult, it was rather impractical to be silent, even with the threat of discovery from those who could be their enemies. It could not be helped, and so the more cautious of them prayed that they be spared discovery, if only for this one meeting.

"The lots have been cast," he said. "Matthias is the Twelfth disciple!" There was much cheering, and many coming before him and wishing him well and such. Philip and Lucas joined in the throng, giving Matthias their best wishes and the blessing of God on him. While they were leaving the group, Lucas saw Levi Matthew speaking with Nicodemus. For reasons he could not immediately discern, he made his way towards these two. As he kept his eyes on them, moving slowly through the crowd, he saw that Matthew's countenance fell.

"I'm sorry, my friend," Nicodemus said, then made his way.

"Matthew," Lucas said. "I would..."

"The physician, right?" Matthew asked. "What can I do for you?"

"I saw you discussing something with Rabbi Nicodemus," Lucas said. "I was curious as to it's nature."

"I've been thinking," Matthew replied. "About taking down an account of the Master and His lineage as the Messiah. Unfortunately, I have been denied access to the records of births kept in Jerusalem."

"By Nicodemus?"

"No, by his superiors. They've put a tight lock on all records of pedigree, especially in regards to the royal line, so Nicodemus told me. Their fear, I take it, is that we might steal them and use them for our own ends."

"An account of Joshua?" Lucas asked. "Interesting."

At this, Matthew gave more attention to the doctor. "You are a man of learning yourself, I take it?"

"I may be a physician," Lucas said. "But that is not all that I know. I can read and write Greek and Aramaic, and histories have always been a passion of mine."

Matthew smiled. "It's good to have another educated mind among us. I mean no offense to the others, but sometimes, I see something that they do not. Like whenever Joshua fulfilled something spoken concerning Him by the prophets: I'm over-joyed to know that this is coming to pass in my life-time, yet they seem so offended when I bring it up! It's like they're annoyed by my statements!"

"Surprising," Lucas returned with a smile. A look of profound curiosity passed over Matthew's face, and he scratched his beard pensively. "What is it?"

"If Joshua's life was a fulfillment of the prophecies of old," Matthew said. "Surely His youth would have been filled with these as well."

"Are there any here who knew Him that long ago?" Lucas asked.

"Well," Matthew pondered. "There's James."

"That one?" Lucas pointed to one sitting at Peter's side.

"No, that's John's brother," Matthew dismissed, then turned to the crowd, continuing to search for the one in question.

"That one?" Lucas asked, pointing to one speaking with Simeon, the former zealot.

"That's my brother James," Matthew replied.

"James seems to be a popular name," Lucas chuckled.

"It's an ill omen, though," Matthew stated. "It means 'supplanter', that's why JEHOVAH changed Jacob's name to...Ah! There he is, with John and those women." He pointed. "Come, Lucas, I'll introduce you." Lucas and Matthew made their way through the crowds, to the far end of the room near where the rest of the Twelve were seated. Here sat John, with Miriam the Elder, Miriam of Magdala, Salome, Joanna and James and John's mother Susanna, as well as several other women and the James in question.

"Pardon me," Matthew said. "John, James, ladies. This is Lucas, the physician."

"Hail," he said to them all. They all replied with a similar greeting. But when Lucas saw the eldest of the women, sitting between John and Miriam of Magdala, he knelt down before her.

"You were His mother?" he asked.

Miriam rolled her eyes. "Please, stand up. I'm a woman, like any other."

Lucas looked perplexed, but then turned to Matthew who continued the introduction.

"Uh, my friend, and myself, are curious concerning Joshua's past, His childhood and everything."

"What's there to tell?" James asked sardonically. "He set a high standard for my brothers and I. Always lived up to what He said and did. Said it wasn't enough to simply believe in JEHOVAH, we had to act on our belief as well, more than just going to the synagogue every Sabbath."

"Oh, don't listen to him!" one of the women, James' sister, apparently, interjected. "Anyone who met Him never forgot Him. He was always so kind, so open and accepting. Though He never had many close friends back then, He was friendly to everyone."

"Who was His father?" Lucas asked.

Miriam looked at him carefully at first, as if suspecting something. She turned to Matthew, who shrugged, then returned her gaze to Lucas.

"Surely you know," she said. "You've heard what has been told of Him."

"I've heard that He is the Son of God," Lucas said. "But, as Adam was our first father, and he was made by JEHOVAH in His own image, are we not all sons and daughters of God?"

"He really was the Son of God," Miriam nodded. "When He was born, I was still a virgin."

Lucas looked as though all four of the Galilean fishermen had just hit him straight on in the face at the same time. Even Matthew looked amazed, muttering something about 'a sign from JEHOVAH' given to Isaiah.

"But that's impossible!" Lucas returned.

Miriam softly chuckled. "That's what I said."

"When did this happen?" Matthew inquired.

With a sigh, the woman delved deep into the memories and thoughts of her own mind, which had been kept hidden and analyzed for thirty-three years, rarely spoken aloud by anyone for fear of what they might say, or worse yet, what they might do to her.

"It was in the days of Herod the Great..."


The winter was on its way out, and the fields valleys around Nazareth teamed with new growth. Some birds were even now enjoying the warm, afternoon air. Though this town, situated upon a hill, was not exactly a palace, like that of King Herod in Jerusalem, it was at least ten times its superior in beauty.

But the beauty of nature was of little concern to the young woman. Married women had little time to spend outside in the spring, this she would have to learn soon. Betrothed she was, promised to be married: this year was her time to leave behind her old life as a young girl and prepare to enter the world of marriage. Her father and her mother were very pleased by her arrangement.

Yet, for some reason, Miriam was uneasy. Nazareth was a small town, so she had met her betrothed, Joseph Bar-Jacob, or at least seen him in passing before. He was a good man, who never missed going to the synagogue, and who already had a steady job of his own as the village carpenter. It wasn't even like she was marrying someone in Bethany, in which she would have to relocate: nothing much would change. Yet, she knew in her heart that things would never be the same.

Suddenly, a bright light appeared. Instinctively, she raised her hands to cover her eyes. It wasn't the sun, for she still felt it's hot gaze upon her back.

"Hail, you who are graciously accepted and highly favored: JEHOVAH is with you. Blessed are you among women!" a voice spoke. A man's voice, one she had never heard before. Her first instinct was to run, but she merely stepped aside behind an olive tree.

What just happened, she asked herself. He called me blessed! But I'm nothing, a nobody.

"Do not be afraid, Miriam," the voice said. "You have found favor with the Almighty God."

Slowly and warily, she peeked out from behind the side of the tree. Standing there was a tall figure, clad in white, with great wings upon his back like the wings of an eagle. She had heard stories of such creatures, angels they were called, visiting the elders and sages of old (Peace be upon them). But they always appeared, at least in her memory, before men.

She crawled up to her feet, now standing, and walked out of her hiding place. Some of the light that had enveloped the angel was diminished, so she could look upon him.

"Behold," the angel said. "You shall conceive and bring forth a son, and you shall call His name Joshua."

Miriam was surprised at these words. A son? It was the greatest blessing one could ever hope to have. Yet she knew the way of women, and knew also that, for children to be born, there had to be something else involved...

"He will be great," the angel continued. "And will be called the Son of the Most High. The LORD God will give Him the throne of His father David and He will reign over the House of Israel forever. And, of His Kingdom, there will be no end."

Miriam's head was spinning with what she had been told. This also was what everyone was hoping for, not just in Nazareth but in all of Israel. The Messiah was the answer to the prayers of a people bereft of its kingdom, of its freedom, for ages. But there was still one thing...

"But, how can this happen?" she asked, her voice sounding horribly small in her own ears. "I'm still a maid!"

"The Ruach HaKodesh, the Spirit of Holiness, shall come upon you," the angel said. "And the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, what shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God."

Miriam gasped in fright. This was all too much to believe. Women did not simply bear children without first enduring the consumation, never in all the history of mankind. As if that were not enough, this child, born not of flesh but of the Holy Spirit was to be called the Son of God.

Son of God. Even the thought of it put fear in Miriam's heart. Though she was no scribe, she knew what was repeated the most every Sabbath at the synagogue: 'Hear, O Israel, JEHOVAH thy God is One.' This went against everything she had been taught, everything she believed in.

"Fear not," the angel said. "Behold, your cousin, Elisabeth, is with child, even in her old age. She is now in the sixth month of her carriage, who was called barren. For, with God, nothing is impossible."

Inside, Miriam held on to her faith. If this was indeed truth, then JEHOVAH would be with her. If not, then He would protect her. Though doubts rose up to try and deceive, it was her faith, the same faith that led every patriarch of old before her through the wildernesses of this world, that gave her the courage to finally speak, in a voice that belied the fear inside her.

"Behold the maid-servant of JEHOVAH," she said at last, kneeling before the angel. "May it be with me according His will."

There was a sigh, a breath of wind, and the voice said: "I am Gabriel, who stands before the presence of JEHOVAH. Blessed art thou among women." When Miriam looked up again, he was gone.


"Did He eat butter and honey?"

Miriam, Lucas, John, James and the others looked at Matthew with a very surprised expression.

"You're doing it again," John stated.

"Doing what?" Matthew asked. "I'm asking a simple question."

"It's rather absurd, really," James Bar-Joseph said. "I mean, yes, there was probably butter at our meals. And, on rare occasions, like Passover, there would be honey. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, it's something from Isaiah," Matthew said. "'Therefore JEHOVAH Himself shall give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and she shall call His name "Immanuel".' Then it says that He shall eat butter and honey, so He may know to refuse evil and choose good. Obviously, this prophecy is about the Master: who else could it be concerning?"

Lucas leaned over to Matthew and whispered: "I see what they mean."


(AN: As usual, I try to work in a dual meaning with my chapter titles. Here we see the adventures of the fledgling believers, and the beginning of the recounting of the Nativity story.)

(Lucas the Physician is, of course, Luke. He needed to be introduced in this chapter, since he is believed by many to be the author of the book of Acts; which means that he'll be featured a lot in this story.)

(As far as the Nativity story, I was a little concerned at first about putting it down in this story. It's been done to death, in a way, and I felt that me retelling an old favorite wouldn't do that much. However, aside from American Companion's "The Night I Saw the Messiah Born", I haven't seen many other really good Nativity-based stories [if you happen to know any, please share]. Lastly, it didn't dawn upon me until I put it here in this story that Miriam [aka. Mary, to you Greek-lovers] was just as much of a champion of faith as Noah, Moses or Abraham. Think about it! She was told by Gabriel that she would bear a child in a manner completely unnatural, but not only that, but this child would also be the salvation of her people and, at the same time, potentially destroy the foundations of her faith. Now if it didn't take faith for her to go through with that, knowing that she would have nobody in whom to confide in because nobody would believe her, or what they would do if they knew [remember how they treated Joshua when He called Himself the Son of God?], I don't know what else could have done it. [oh, and that last bit of Gabriel's was modified from the Zachariah story: he must have introduced himself to Miriam or else we wouldn't know that it was the same one, just my guess].)