Advent
December 17, 2016
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25
But just when [Joseph] 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.’–Matthew 1:20-21
We really have no idea how old Joseph was. He possibly was many years older than Mary. He apparently died sometime between the trip to the temple when Jesus was twelve and the beginning of Jesus public ministry. At least he is never mentioned after the trip. Having made the decision to undo his betrothal to Mary, Joseph is brought up to speed with what is really going on by an angel, no less. It is hard to image being in the predicament this couple faced, trying times.
When we consider what some people are dealing with around the world today, it is interesting how bent out of shape we can become over small things. I had a well mapped out Christmas shopping trip one day this week. I was going to Barnes and Noble then to Bath and Body Works and end up a Cabela’s. I knew exactly what I was going to get at each place. Did not think it would take more than an hour. Had to wait in line for a while at Barnes and Noble, got into a terrible traffic jam heading toward Bath and Body Works, stood in an even longer line there. While in that line I decided, I was going straight home on back roads if necessary. I got home in time to watch the noon news reporting on the citizens of Aleppo once again not being rescued from the devastation there.
I enjoy buying gifts for family and friends but that is not the priority at this season. Preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ into our lives is our primary tasks during Advent. Jesus came to save us. Perhaps the primary thing some of us need is to be saved from ourselves.
Take a few minutes to consider where your priorities are in life. Do you need to reorganize them?
Prayer: God of Mercy and Justice, order our lives to put us in sync with your priorities. Amen.