“‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus,
for he will save his people from their sins.’” Matthew 1:20-21
Let us not skip over the role Joseph played in our Christmas experience that Advent has been building. During Advent we celebrate the HOPE we have because God is fulfilling his promises, prophecy. We celebrate the PEACE we have that the baby Jesus’ life will bring about between God and his creation. We celebrate the JOY people can experience as they learn that the savior has been born. As we touched on yesterday, joy may not have been the first response to the news and not all were joyful. King Herod was visited by the wise men in search of the new king. Herd plotted to kill the newborn king. When Herod’s plan failed he has all the children in Bethlehem under age 2 slaughtered. Good news does not bring joy to all.
Joseph is confronted with a pregnant fiancée/wife who claims that God brought the pregnancy. That’s about like claiming the dog ate the homework. Think of the many times we have cried “innocent” but in our hearts we know we are partially to blame for the predicament. Joseph has reason to doubt Mary’s story, if she even had a chance to explain and defend herself. Joseph could have her stoned to declare his innocence. He decides to quietly divorce her. I doubt that offered Mary much of a future but at least she would not die. In Kenya, Mary’s mother would raise the child as Mary’s sibling so Mary could get on with life. But there would always be a skeleton in the family closet and in Mary’s heart. Joseph is deeply conflicted. It is at this moment that God steps in and sends Joseph a message in a dream. God claims his role. He is the father. We read those words I love, “Do not be afraid.”
Joy can take the form of praises like the angels. Joy can take the form of gifts and service like the wise men. Joy can take the form of acquittal when you are prepared to be condemned, sitting with death row. Joseph now had freedom of heart to move forward with his plan to marry. There would be public gossip and censure and doubt about his character but he was free within himself to move forward and protect Mary. No internal conflict. No doubts. Joy that he was in God’s plan.
Perhaps there is a time when you felt clarity in the depths of your soul over something you were deeply troubled about. Perhaps you have experienced forgiveness and innocence in the face of public censure. Let’s pray that during this time of Advent, those caught in conflicting situations will experience hope, peace and joy as they reach out to the God who is working in their lives.
On the Way to Wonder 