“This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’” Matthew 1:18–21
First century Jewish boys who were engaged had one major job: adding onto their father’s home to provide for his new bride. When the “home” was ready, he would grab all of his friends and they would hoop and holler through the community until they got to the bride’s father’s home… then it was time for a wedding. The whole process was filled with traditions.
Mary and Joseph would have none of these traditions. Theirs would be a quiet wedding so as to not draw attention to the baby! And Joseph was fine with this because he listened to the Angel who confirmed Mary’s story. Joseph followed the directions out of love, I’m sure, but also out of awe. The baby was the Chosen One who would save His people from their sins! The Jewish Messiah! Our Messiah! The One who saves all who believe from their sins.
Maybe it would be good for us to take some quiet moments to be like Joseph: consider the cost of love and salvation. Lay aside all our plans and intentions. Be willing to be quietly obedient to Christ’s call upon our lives and let Him lead wherever His Spirit guides.
by Rev. Dr. Kevin Walden
Prayer
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe. The One who has fearfully and wonderfully made us and called us in Christ His own. Lead us in quiet reflection today to consider the cost of Your love and our salvation. Lead us quietly in obedience to sharing the Good News of Great Joy… Jesus was born for us! Amen!