The Ninth Day of Advent
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.” (Matthew 1:18-25 ESV).
Young woman + unexplainable pregnancy + family expectations ≠ PEACE.
Well, not from a “reasonable” perspective… However, God often sets up a scene from which we jump to a forgone conclusion…only to quietly insert the most splendid word – the tiniest word that turns impending disaster to something unexpected. “But.”
Circumstances invaded Joseph’s world. Mature logic led him to action. BUT.
“But, as he considered these things…” Joseph took time and in that moment became aware of the presence of God… the intention of God. And a new trajectory was established.
Circumstances did not change. All questions were not answered. Others would not agree. But Mary, Joseph, and God were at PEACE. Mary, Joseph, and God harmoniously living out “their” story.
What distressing events have entered your life? As you run full tilt down the “logical” path, will you take time to consider? But! Take time to feel the presence of God… to hear ONE voice above others.
Peace is not the absence of “disturbing” events. Peace is awareness of God and harmony with Him in the midst of those events. There is no greater peace than to be “with God” as the two of you live out your story.
Susan Kaminski
