"Asenath, Asenath... Take heart, Asenath, and do not be afraid; but stand up, and I will speak to you... Take heart, Asenath, for lo, the Lord has heard the words of your confession. Take heart, Asenath, your name is written in the book of life, and it will never be blotted out.
From to-day you will be made new, and refashioned, and given new life; and you shall eat the bread of life and drink the cup of immortality, and be anointed with the unction of incorruption.
Take heart, Asenath: lo, the Lord has given you to Joseph to be his bride, and he shall be your bridegroom. And you shall no more be called Asenath, but 'City of Refuge' shall be your name; for many nations shall take refuge in you, and under your wings shall many peoples find shelter, and within your walls those who give their allegiance to God in penitence will find security...
And lo, I am on my way to Joseph, and I will talk to him about you, and he will come to you to-day and see you and rejoice over you; and he shall be your bridegroom. So listen to me, Asenath, and put on your wedding robe, the ancient robe, the first that was stored away in your room, and deck yourself in all your finest jewelry, and adorn yourself as a bride, and be ready to meet him. For lo, he is coming to you to-day; and he will see you and rejoice."
This sounds a lot like the Annunciation pre-nativity scenes (Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-21). In fact, this passage would do well as a Marian Annunciation for the Gospel of Matthew. It follows the structure of Luke, with some additional details that fit Matthew's emphasis on Joe.
- First, the angel appears to Mary and Asenath, greets them, and tells them not to be afraid.
- Next, the angel relates a message/assurance to Mary and Aseneth.
- Then, the angel informs Asenath that he will go to Joseph and speak to him.
- Finally, there is the meeting of Joe/Joseph and Mary/Asenath.
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