Joseph

Emmanuel…

“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” – Luke 1:45    

As the minutes of daylight continue to decline and the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere approaches, life in December 2021 does not seem anywhere close to normal. However, it is at these times that opportunity abounds, if only we can meet the challenge of seeking the wisdom of balance and the choices of Light that reside between the stark contrast of opposites. And, while at times, it can seem bigger than life, and the odds improbable, looking to Mary, the Queen of Peace, one can trust it’s not impossible to experience the quiet strength of peace in troubling times.

Mary chooses to embrace the spirit of God, surrender her will and be led by God (Luke 1:26-38). Joseph, her betrothed, makes a similar choice (Matthew 1:18-24). In the eyes of the world, these choices can seem unimaginable. Why would anyone say yes to a choice that is bound to bring such harsh scrutiny, create gossip and skepticism, possible death in those times, and disgrace? Perhaps that’s why it’s never wise to judge a book by its cover. Only God can ever really know the truth of all that’s happening, and only God can ever truly influence choices that are genuinely for the greater good, even when others cannot understand them.

Mary’s “yes” and Joseph’s “yes” are certainly pivotal moments. What led them to being able to discern such choices? How did they know what to do? Sitting with their “yes’s,” the inspiration that can be drawn from them is tremendous, but it is also just the beginning.

In reflecting on what happened in those moments and in all the ones that followed, what is it like to imagine that even though the road did not get any easier, Mary and Joseph made it through not because of their own determination, but because God was with them, and they were led by the light of God?

Light by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt – https://youtu.be/oUHlx119Cv4

More Than Words…

Oftentimes there is so much more to any story or situation than what one may initially see, perceive, or be told by others. While sometimes, we not get a chance to see beyond the surface for ourselves that is not an excuse to avoid trying. In any situation, both divinity and humanity call us to dive deeper, seeking truth and compassion rather than assuming.

When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus for presentation in the temple, as was customary according to the law of Moses, they encountered Simeon and Anna, two older people who seemed to have more than knowledge, who professed understanding of who this infant before them was and what the future would hold for him and the family. One can only imagine what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph to hear the words of Simeon and Anna, especially, Simeon’s words. He blessed Jesus as Savior and “a light for revelation” and “glory” for God’s people (Luke 2:32). Not only that, but he said to Mary, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted” (Luke 2:34).  If that was not confounding enough, he told Mary, “and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed” (Luke 2:35).

As we go through life we all experience times of being told information by others. The challenge is figuring out what to believe. How we decide what to listen to and what to dismiss is key. How did Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna decide?

Perhaps even more significant, is determining what, of that which is spoken, is one’s business, or what is truly worth one’s time?

Mary and Joseph had already been told by Angels, messengers sent from God, that their Son would be God incarnate. They did not know exactly what that was going to mean or specifically what it would entail. Simeon and Anna both had been waiting for the birth of the Savior. Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Surely, Anna, a prophetess, who worshipped day and night, also had been told comparable news along the way.

Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna, were individuals, and unique as such. While they pursued the same goal, to live in faithfulness to God, the way they went about being faithful was likely similar, but not identical. They were four people who experienced and had come to know what many people would consider unbelievable, or fantasy. However, with what they shared, as many before them, as well as after them… with great faith in and devotion to God, and through continued prayer, they were able to know which Voice to listen to and which ones to tune out—examples worth emulating.

Trees