Countdown to Christmas – Day 4

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

The confession must have been crushing. A myriad of emotions must have flooded the soul of this man who thought life was headed in one direction only to learn the dream of a simple life lay in ruin. How does one fathom the depth of such a reality?

We can only imagine the emotional storm that raged within Joseph. Anger, hurt, and betrayal most likely dominated the cloud suffocating his mind as he learned of Mary’s pregnancy. But though he devised a plan of escape from this marriage, he did so by keeping intact his respect for the law and his wife’s reputation. And, if anything, this truth has given Joseph a legacy of integrity. And because of this deeply ingrained integrity, God knew Joseph’s character would be strong enough to withstand the pain and discomfort of the obedience needed to follow out His divine plan.

Have we ever looked upon the circumstances of our own life seeking beyond what our eyes may see to witness Christ’s divine plan at work? Have we contemplated the truth that pain and discomfort may just be the stepping stones to joy overflowing?

It is difficult to trust that something incredible can come from having to be obedient in a painful situation or circumstance, but that is where faith carries us through for our belief is strengthened by our obedience. Joseph chose to do as the Lord had asked him, his integrity and character evident as he laid aside his own pleasure to honour God’s plan. And the legacy that has followed his actions for generations gives us- Christ’s followers- joy overflowing.

Father, though it may not be easy to see your hand at work, show me the legacy of my obedience, strengthen my belief, and pour out upon me joy overflowing. In Jesus name, amen.