The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:18-25
Today, we are presented with the life of Joseph and the awesome task the good Lord entrusted to him.
What do we know about Joseph prior to the visit of the angel?
Little is known about Joseph even after the visit. The little we know about Joseph was through the angel. The angel’s first message to Joseph was a reassurance that Mary’s pregnancy was the will of God. Joseph had an important role in the work of salvation. Joseph received his job description from the angel.
Joseph was to take Mary back as his wife.
Joseph was to give legal protection to the Son of God.
He was to play the role of a father, a foster father to the God- child.
His work also entails the protection of the child’s mother Mary.
Was Joseph well equipped and prepared for the task?
Parents were you well equipped and prepared to be parents?
Yes, Joseph was well prepared. God won’t give you what you can’t handle. When God gives you an assignment, you will hear “I will be with you.”
Paul writes in his First Letter to the Corinthians: “No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. (10:13)
Are you a parent, a stepfather, a stepmother, or a foster parent? Do you live in a blended family setting? Is your vocation in hospitality or healthcare? Are you one of those who had stepped in a situation just to “save it”? Are you a caregiver for a spouse, a child, a parent or even someone in your neighborhood?
Studies show that here in the United States, over ten percent of our children (about 10 million) are under completed care of their grandparents.
As we are coming to the end of the Advent season, like Joseph let us listen to God’s message.
I will like to conclude with this prayer of Renee Swope, “The Manger of My Heart,” :
This Advent, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.
Fill me with Your presence from the very start.
As I prepare for the holidays and gifts to be given,
Remind me of the gift You gave when You sent Your Son from Heaven.
The first Christmas gift, it was the greatest gift ever.
You came as a baby born in a manger.
Wrapped like the gifts I find under my tree,
Waiting to be opened, to reveal Your love to me.
Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus’ birth,
When He left the riches of Heaven and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.
Emmanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.
And angels announced, “Into your darkness, God brings His Light.”
“Do not be afraid,” they said to shepherds in the field.
Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield.
Have a wonderful week.
