MT 1:18-25
Today in the Advent Season marks one week until Christmas Day! In the Gospel reading, we are given the chance to see someone whom we don’t often see in the Bible: Joseph, husband to Mary and adoptive father of Jesus. In this reading from Matthew, we get an insight as to how Joseph felt upon discovering Mary was with child through the Holy Spirit, as well as how Joseph is able to come to terms with God’s will.
Upon knowing that Mary was expecting, Joseph, not wanting to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. He was afraid how other people would react to the news and doubted that God understood how he was feeling. However, Joseph soon sees that he was wrong. One night, an angel came to him in a dream. Joseph was told not to be afraid of what was happening. The angel said to take Mary into his home, and that He was to name the child Jesus. The child will save all people from their sins. When Joseph woke the next day, he did as the angel told him and took Mary into his care.
I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for us to read about this critical moment in Joseph’s life. As we can see, it was very difficult for Joseph to comprehend what happened to Mary. He does not understand God’s will and as a result feels scared and confused. By being able to see this moment, we get to relate more with Joseph. We all at one point have felt confusion towards God’s will. Whenever we experience this, it is very easy to retreat from God and believe the lie that He is not with us in our doubt. However, it is obvious from Joseph’s experience that God indeed is by our side every step of the way. He will not leave us alone in our moments of uncertainty. Let us all remind ourselves of this moment, especially as we approach December 25. God truly is with us through His son Jesus Christ, and we celebrate Jesus’ birth for this reason.