Today is the second Sunday in Advent. Today, let’s read the story of Joseph and how he was visited by an angel in a dream.
The Gospel of Matthew 1: 18 – 25. Joseph’s dream experience.
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.
19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[e] 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 conceive and 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 did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
That’s a pretty powerful story, isn’t it?
If you can, tonight, as the sun sets, find some place where you can be quiet. If you like, light a candle, or light two candles for the 2nd Sunday in Advent.
Joseph was blessed with clear and unequivocal spiritual guidance when facing a difficult decision, but we are rarely in so fortunate a position when we have to make decisions that could change our lives. Not that his path was an easy one.
It occurs to me that so much in life is showing up. Working, making sure our loved ones are fed, warm and safe. The day to day things we do for love. By themselves, they may not seem that earth-shaking. But what Joseph did enabled a miracle. Joseph showed up. He worked, paid his taxes, and made sure his loved ones had what they needed. Does that sound familiar to you?
I’d like to share another illustration from The Christmas Story, illustrated by Eloise Wilkin. Perhaps this image will help you meditate on the story of Joseph.
Has there been a time when the wise words of another helped you see another perspective? What role does prayer play in your life when facing tough choices? What meaning does Joseph’s story have for you?
Here is a carol for this evening.
When Joseph Was an Old Man – (Traditional)
When Joseph was an old man, and an old man was he
He wedded Virgin Mary the queen of Galilee
He wedded Virgin Mary the queen of Galilee
When Joseph was married and brought Mary home
Mary was with child and Joseph hadn’t known
Mary was with child and Joseph hadn’t known
As they went a-walking through the garden so green
There were cherries and berries hanging from a tree
There were cherries and berries hanging from a tree
Up then bespoke Mary, so meek and so mild
Saying, “Joseph, pluck some cherries, for I am with child”
Saying, “Joseph, pluck some cherries, for I am with child”
In anger spoke Joseph, in anger spoke he
“Let the father of your baby pick cherries for thee”
“Let the father of your baby pick cherries for thee”
Then out spoke baby Jesus, from his mother’s womb
“Mary shall have cherries and Joseph shall have none”
“Mary shall have cherries and Joseph shall have none”
Then down bowed the cherry tree all down to the ground
And Mary plucked cherries while Joseph stood around
And Mary plucked cherries while Joseph stood around
As Joseph was a-walking he heard angels sing
“This night shall be born our heavenly king”
“This night shall be born our heavenly king”
Tagged: 2nd Sunday of Advent
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