Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do 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 as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. NRSV
DEVOTIONAL
Mary was pregnant and engaged to Joseph. This was an unhappy scenario in a time when propriety mattered. Joseph was a planner. He had a back-up plan that involved a way to call off the wedding without having to bring disgrace to Mary. Certainly, Mary told him about the heavenly messenger telling her that she was favored among women. Last Sunday we focused on Joy and particularly on Mary’s joy in learning she was chosen to be mother to Jesus. Mary’s joy is countered by Joseph’s despair. He can see no way around the signs of struggle. Mary is pregnant and the baby is not his. Joe was singing the blues.
Tonight is typically the longest night in the norther hemisphere. December 21st is often representative of those who are suffering and depressed. Longest night services also called Blue Christmas are often held to honor the broken and hurting during a season of great joy. When we are depressed, perhaps due to the loss of a loved one or some other life-changing event, seasons meant to elicit great joy are doubly difficult. I believe Joseph could understand. Yet, he too was visited by a heavenly messenger. The angel came on this long night in a dream to offer him an alternative to his despair. Just as Mary is favored, you too are part of God’s plan. Joseph was singing the blues, but the angel reminded him in this dream that God has been singing a song since the prophet Isaiah with lyrics and music that belong in a ‘chills up your spine power ballad.’ “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
Joseph woke up and let this song reshape his imagination. Maybe today you are struggling and need another song, another message, another vision of happiness to reshape your imagination about your present situation. I want to remind you that God has already sang his message to us and declared that in Jesus HE IS WITH US! In your hurt and struggle God is with you. In your heartache and brokenness God is with you. In your loss and despair God is with you. On this longest night, no matter what you are circumstances, remember God is with you and can bring joy even on long nights.
Author: John Prichard
Other scriptures for today:
- Isaiah 7:10-16
- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
- Romans 1:1-7
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