I have to wonder if, in some ways, this whole idea of a virgin birth was more difficult for him to embrace than for Mary. I have to wonder if he ever had any thoughts about Mary that were less than kind. I wonder, as her belly swelled with child, if he ever resented the situation. He obviously was a kind man because he had made the decision not to make a big deal out of her pregnancy so she wouldn’t get into trouble. He would just quietly leave her. However, once the angel of the Lord came to him in a dream, called him by name, and told him what to do, he did it. There seems to be no doubt that it was the Lord who gave him this commandment. Joseph obviously was a faithful man and God knew his obedient heart. Even though he was called by God, the situation was a difficult one, but Joseph trusted God. We don’t read about any questioning/doubting thoughts from Joseph, but being human, I’d venture to guess that they were there. Even so, Joseph was faithful and willing to sacrifice his life to the will of God. Christmas is a reminder that, as we receive from God the greatest gift of all—Jesus—we are to offer Him the gift of ourselves. What would that would mean in your life, to offer yourself fully?
Finally, when we read Luke 2:8-16, the Christ child’s birth has been celebrated and the event that changed the world has been glorified once again. The question for us is this: “Has Christmas changed us?” As we read about the shepherds who were caring for their flocks being visited by the angels telling of great news, we hear the Gospel proclaimed once again. The shepherds immediately responded to the Gospel by going to see this thing that had happened. They left the comfort of their normalcy in response to the call by the angels.
How will you respond to this good news of great joy that is for all people—that is, for you?
Check out more from Rev. Deanna M. Young in her new book, Connecting the Dots: Connecting Everyday Life Experiences to Spiritual Truths, available now.
