Thursday, December 21, 2023
“Christmas Ain’t a One-and-Done”
If you’ve ever taken a few moments to really think about the Christmas Story, you’ve probably realized that the Holy Family could not have had an easy time with their situation. Joseph’s story is definitely one to take a few moments and reflect upon.
The story begins this way: Joseph is engaged to Mary. During their engagement, Mary tells Joseph that she’s pregnant.
When Joseph receives this news, it must have been the biggest gut punch ever! Joseph knew that he was not the father of the baby, and regardless of Mary’s explanation, he must have been overwhelmed with heartache and anger. Then the Angel appeared to Joseph. Sure, Joseph may have received some emotional relief from the Angel’s Word but it doesn’t remove the pain, doubt, and resentment that Joseph may have experienced afterward.
Joseph has extremely difficult choices to make during Mary’s pregnancy. First and foremost, Joseph must be willing to let go of any previous thoughts and dreams that he must have had for himself and his new bride. Letting go of our goals and expectations is never easy. In Joseph’s case, the devil had to be working on his head and heart to turn him against Mary and her unborn baby.
Joseph makes the most difficult and right choice by believing the Angel and accepting Mary. Joseph spares Mary’s life and commits himself to her forever. In addition, he also chooses to accept Jesus as his adopted son, which is a whole other set of questions, worries, and concerns. If God directed, could we let go of our life goals and expectations to choose the most difficult of roads to follow (even if directed by God)? Joseph’s Faithful choices are the kind of decisions that we should reflect upon and relate to our own lives.
One last comment: Once Joseph chooses to follow the LORD, his troubles (whatever they were), did not end. In fact, some really difficult stuff becomes a life-long reality. No doubt, the comments from the locals continued about the early pregnancy, and there were always family and (former) friends that would never again associate with Mary and Joe. However, making the Faithful choice means indescribable blessings: Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love. Joseph and Mary would receive blessings from Jesus for themselves and for all the world. Because of Joseph’s Faithful choice, the world – and the heavens – would be changed forever.
Deciding to receive Christmas ain’t a One-and-Done. Christmas is Always and Forever.
“When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.” (Matthew 1:24, NRSV)