Karis Joy, a One Challenge mission kid, wrote Mary’s Diary at the age of 13, perhaps close to Mary’s age when the Lord came to her in the Bible.
Her imaginative journey highlights the mystery of the Incarnation – God with us – which we celebrate in particular at Christmas.
The Reason for the Season – Mary’s Diary Excerpt
by Karis Joy Kornfield
10 of Ziv, Shabbat (May)
Dear Diary,
I knew that Elizabeth would believe me, but I never could have imagined the welcome she would give me. She’s six months pregnant and her baby somehow recognized my baby! Elizabeth was SO excited! I didn’t have to explain anything – she already knew! Oh, even this moment I praise the Lord. Jehovah gave me a song that I have written down, and I am singing it back to him every day.
I am so thrilled to be here, sharing everything with Elizabeth. And she’s delighted to share her experience with me too, I can tell. She told me all about the angel appearing too Zechariah in the Temple, and taking away his speech when he didn’t immediately believe.
I know there will be hard days ahead, but right now I’m just thinking about Jehovah’s tender care of me, to give me this peaceful and joyful time away from Nazareth. It’s lovely to be here in Elizabeth and Zechariah’s home, instead of that cramped apartment in Jerusalem where they stayed for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Even though Zechariah can’t talk, he can still write. He sent a message to my parents right away to let them know I arrived safely. By now they might have received the news that I’m OK. Elizabeth says they were probably frantic with worry. I’m ashamed that I didn’t even think about that; I was so desperate to get away.
Today is my birthday: I am 15. My childhood is behind me. As both a reminder of that and as a gift, Jehovah let me feel a fluttering in my belly today: my little one letting me know he is there.
I will miss Rebecca and Aaron’s wedding next week. Our friendship will never be the same. It seems so long ago that we were carefree children playing with our straw dolls in the haystack.
I wonder what Joseph is thinking and feeling? Is he disappointed? Upset? Confused? Angry? Will he divorce me? The agreement between Papa and his father can only be broken by divorce. Certainly he has cause.
Sincerely,
Mary
About Karis
Karis Joy, born to OC workers David and Debra, entered the world in 1983. At the age of 7, her family moved to serve the Lord in São Paulo, Brazil. She graduated high school there, and attended college at Notre Dame.
Halfway through college she had two intestinal transplants, but was able to return to ND to graduate with honors in 2008. The Lord took Karis Home on February 5, 2014 at the age of 30.
Supporting Ongoing Ministry of Pastoring of Pastors
This sampling of Mary’s Diary is provided by David and Debra. To purchase the 20-page booklet contact communications@oci.org. All proceeds will go to David and Debra’s pastoring of pastors ministry in South America and West Africa.