Variety: Matthew 1v18–24
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: his mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
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. 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.’
All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
MATTHEW 1:18–24
Today we celebrate the wonderful news of Immanuel, God with us. But it didn’t seem such wonderful news to Joseph at first.
Mary, Joseph’s fiancée, is found to be pregnant. Joseph, who consistently seeks to do the right thing, even if he may get the opposite reputation, has plans for a quiet divorce. At the time, the stages towards marriage meant Joseph could already be referred to as her husband – their engagement was legally binding, with divorce being the only way to end it.
Later, Joseph hears personally from an angel, and having heard the news himself, he knows Mary is far from unfaithful. She is being obedient to God. Joseph, once again, responds by prioritising right action over reputation. In the end, his actions form an essential part of the wonderful news for all of us.
Joseph provides helpful challenges that might be poignant for some today. How do we respond to unexpected or unwanted news in our daily lives? This is so often a key test of our character and our priorities. Joseph always tried to respond in the right way.
As the story unfolds, we have proof that we can trust God beyond our immediate circumstances. You might find it helpful to reflect on this aspect of trusting God before we receive the news we seek, trusting in him in every unknown.
Prayer: Lord, whatever comes my way today, help me to learn from Joseph. Help me to trust in you. Whenever there is a tension between good reputation and good actions, help me to prioritise the latter.
London Institute for Contemporary Christianity