“…you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1 vs. 32)

 

Dear Friends…

Every year as we approach Christmas, I find myself amazed at the faith of both Mary and Joseph. Both receive an angelic visit (albeit Joseph in a dream) and both take the angel at his word – almost without question. Mary – it is often said – was the first person to accept Jesus on his terms. It is with unquestioning confidence in God that she declares, “let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1 vs.38)

Had she really thought about it? A pregnant, unmarried teenage girl may not be a big deal in this day and age. 2,000 years ago, in the near east it was a very big deal. Anyone found to be in such a condition was liable to be stoned to death -as was the father to be. Yet knowing she faced a potential life- threatening danger, Mary still said “Yes.”

And how must Joseph have felt about this? The girl he was promised to in marriage announces she is pregnant -but he shouldn’t worry because she has conceived by the Holy Spirit! How many men would believe that? Surely it went through his mind that she had betrayed him – or had she been set upon by a Roman soldier? With these thoughts possibly going through his mind, and as he planned how to break the engagement, Joseph is visited by an angel in a dream, who tells him what Mary has said is true. And Joseph does what the angel commands.

As the weeks and months passed, and as Mary began to grow – did it become apparent to her family? Just at the right time, God delivered Joseph and Mary from potential danger, as the Roman census was announced and they set off on the way to Bethlehem, thus avoiding any scent of a scandal.

Mary and Joseph faithfully obeyed God’s word, believed God’s promises and saw God work in unexpected ways in their lives. As we prepare once again to receive the Christ-child into the world, who (Like Mary) is going to accept him without question? Who amongst us when facing a difficult and agonizing decision (like Joseph) will give it over to God and let him guide our path? Will we open our lives to the possibility of God – just as Mary and Joseph did?

God loves the world of today as much as he loved the world of 2000 years ago. The Son of the Most High is still with us. May you know his peace this Christmas season and throughout the New Year.

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Rev Peter Barnett