“It was not supposed to be like this.” This Advent season, as I reflect once again on the Christmas story, I parked myself on Mary’s and Joseph’s story. It is easy for me to miss the reality of what Mary and Joseph must’ve experienced, because I know the end of the story. But they did not, they had to live through it. For them, it was supposed to be a time of great joy and hope, expectation and planning for a new life together as husband and wife. Scripture tells us that Mary was favored by God and that Joseph was a righteous man. They were doing what they were supposed to be doing, yet suddenly their lives get turned upside down. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this” must have been the theme occupying their minds. What to do?
First, God’s Word brought comfort to them: “Do not be afraid” (or “Fear not”). In their confusion, Mary and Joseph needed this reassurance from the angels. But God’s Word not only brought comfort, it brought correction and instruction. As a matter of fact, the first instruction given to Joseph (Matt. 1:20) was to do the exact opposite of what he wanted to do: to divorce Mary quietly. Their response in obedience to God’s word for them became the source of blessing and promise to them. Mary’s response, “May Your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:39) was Joseph’s response as well. Three times Joseph receives a “word” from the Lord and, each time, he responds in obedience. As result, God’s promises were fulfilled in and through them (Matt. 1:22-24; 2:13-15, 19-23). This year, as you reflect on the birth of Jesus and His love for us, perhaps you find some “It was not supposed to be like this” areas of life, whether personal, professional or in your service and ministry to the Lord. You are as confused and frustrated as Mary and Joseph were. In what areas of your life do you need to hear God’s word of comfort say to you, “Do not be afraid”? Areas in your life where trust in God helps manage your fear? Secondly, where do you need to respond in obedience to God’s word of correction and instruction? Obedience led to fulfilled promises for Mary and Joseph, and it will be the same for us. I wonder how many promises and blessings remain unfulfilled for us because of our lack of obedience? Mary’s and Joseph’s obedience was not only a source of hope for them, but through them, God’s hope was ushered into the world. This Christmas, it is my prayer, that you will find comfort and correction in God’s word for you. And that as you follow their example, you will find renewed, life giving hope in your life. And you will see that same hope being ushered into the world through you. For His glory, Amen! Lastly, in honor of Christ’s birth, would you consider giving a special Christmas offering? You may consider giving to Olive Crest, an organization working with foster children (put “Christmas Offering” in the memo), or any cause near and dear to your heart. You can also consider giving a special Christmas gift to our church as we once again face a deficit. Thank you for your faithful and generous giving. May you have a blessed and merry Christmas as we usher Jesus into our lives, our families and our church in a new and fresh way this year. May Christ and His hope be born again into each of you this Christmas season. “Do not be afraid,” Comments are closed.
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