This morning I found myself "musing" about the Christmas story, not in ways that romanticize it, but as a story about real difficulties in life. It's always good to see the "end" of something and know that God was at work in shaping the outcomes, and the lessons we learn from it. I am of the opinion that we are better if we approach life's difficulties with Faith in God, and a desire to learn what he has for us to learn. Yet, sometimes life's pains and agonies are very real when we're in the midst of them.
Take Joseph: Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)
1:18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Joseph was afraid...the angel tells him not to be, but in fact, his reputation, the thoughts that swirled around his mind, his sense of Mary as HIS bride, his family's opinions, his friends and acquaintances where they lived, his joy suddenly deflated, his doubts, etc...these were just the things going on in his heart and mind.
Then there were the logistics...the details of living. A pregnant wife, no relations for the next ? months, the decree that means a journey back to his hometown of Bethlehem, no room when they arrive, giving birth in a stable, etc...
I couldn't help but "feel" for Joseph.
It all makes sense after it's all over with...perhaps, and sometimes it still doesn't make sense; but then that's why it's about Faith!
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
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