The Carpenter God EntrustedSample

Christmas As a Celebration of Maturity

We often view Christmas as a celebration for the children – Christmas tree, decorative lights, gifts and fairytale. But, in fact, it’s a celebration of maturity.

God “trusted” the maturity of people. On Mary, who had enough courage to say “yes.” And on Joseph, who did not run away, when things got difficult. We can say that the fate of the world depended on their maturity – on their willingness not only to believe but also to take responsibility.

Joseph accepted Mary and the child, taking over the burden of care, gossip and uncertainty. Not only did he believe but also took responsibility for what God had entrusted to him. Faith that does not mature into action remains mere an emotion. But a mature faith is an ability to carry, protect, minister, even when no one sees.

Christmas reminds us that true faith is always mature. It does not look for comfort, does not run away from difficulties, does not wait until everything gets clear. It stays, trusts, takes responsibility.

Maybe Joseph once again returned to his workshop in order to inwardly go the whole way that lay before him. Sitting there among the familiar tools, he probably realized: God does not ask for explanations – He asks for trust. And it is in this mature trust that the real Christmas is born.

Quiet questions in the workshop:

• In what areas does God call me to “mature” in faith?
• Do I take the responsibility for the call God has entrusted to me?
• What does my maturity look like in my daily obedience?

Prayer:

God, thank You for trusting people. Please, teach me to be mature in faith –to make decisions, never run away from responsibilities and be the one You can rely on. Amen.