She Reads Truth: EmmanuelSample

The Angel of the Lord Comes to Joseph in a Dream

Reflection

I tend to overlook Joseph’s role in the Christmas story. As a woman, I find myself captivated, year after year, by the person of Mary, by the impossible, beautiful task of carrying the Christ child in her womb, being the vessel through which He entered our world.

But have you ever wondered how Joseph must have felt? Brokenhearted, confused, hurt, maybe even a little angry? The evidence was all right there. Were it me, I would assume the worst. Thank God Joseph was not like me!

Thank God for this man who was an example of the Son who was to come. The character of who God is and who Jesus Christ would be was reflected in Joseph.

He was just, yet merciful. He resolved to separate from his beloved, as would be required by a man of faith in his time, yet he determined to do so discreetly so as not to humiliate her or bring her shame. His heart was broken, but his concern was for her.

He was listening and obedient. Joseph thought on these things, not taking them lightly, listening for direction from the Lord. And direction is what he got, in no uncertain terms! The angel came to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for what which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (v.20b, ESV) And he obeyed. Can you imagine?

Joseph believed the unbelievable. He ignored the evidence to the contrary and walked forward in obedience simply because He dared believe that what God said about him - and his circumstances - was true. “Joseph, son of David, do not fear...”

What is God calling you to believe today? What truths about yourself, your circumstances or your future is He speaking over you even now?

Let us follow Joseph’s example of radical belief. Let us dare to do what our God is asking us to do.

Prayer

Lord, you are Emmanuel, you are God with us, yet your word does not always come to us in a dream or by an angel, as it did for Joseph that day.. Would you help us to hear you? Would you remind us of who we are in you and point us in the way we should go? Above our circumstances, above all alleged proof to the contrary, we want to hear your voice and your truth. Speak to us, Father. Amen.

Advent Action

Spend five minutes in quiet with the Lord. Resist the need to fill the silence with your own thoughts or words, but simply dwell on Him and listen.

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