Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:16, 18--21, 24 (alternate reading: John 11:45-56)
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. 18 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 of the Holy Spirit; 19 and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; 21 she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife
Old Testament Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16
"When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son." (2 Samuel 7:12-14)
Meditation: Are you prepared to obey the Lord in everything? Faith in God's word and obedience to his commands go hand in hand. Joseph, like Mary his wife, is a model of faith and virtue. Matthew tells us that Joseph was a just man. John Chrysostom, a great 5th century church father comments on this quality of Joseph:
“The concept of 'just' here signifies the man who possesses all the virtues. By 'justice' one at times understands only one virtue in particular, as in the phrase: the one who is not avaricious is just. But 'justice' also refers to virtue in general. And it is in this sense, above all, that scripture uses the word ‘justice’. For example, it refers to: 'a just man and true' (cf. Job 1:1), or the two were just (cf. Luke 1:6). Joseph, then, being just, that is to say good and charitable...”Joseph's faith was put to the test when he discovered that his espoused wife was pregnant. Joseph, being a just and God-fearing man, did not wish to embarrass or punish Mary. To all appearances she had broken their solemn pledge to be faithful and chaste to one another. Joseph, no doubt took this troubling matter to God in prayer. He was not hasty to judge or to react with hurt or anger. God rewarded him not only with guidance and consolation, but with the divine assurance that he had indeed called Joseph to be the husband of Mary and to assume a mission that would require the utmost faith, confidence, and trust in Almighty God. Joseph believed in the divine message to take Mary as his wife and to accept the child in her womb as the promised Messiah.
Joseph was a worthy successor to the great patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He followed the call of God through the mysterious circumstances that surrounded the coming of Jesus. God entrusted this silent, humble man with the unique privilege of raising the Messiah – God's only begotten Son born of a virgin – as a growing child through young manhood. Joseph is a faithful witness and servant of God's unfolding plan of redemption. He is a model of prayer, faith, and obedience to God – not only for fathers who accept their responsibility to care, protect, and provide for their families – but for all who aspire to serve God in the ordinary circumstances of their homes and jobs. Joseph did not always understand God's ways, but he was always ready and willing to do whatever God commanded him to do. He trusted in God and put his hope in God's promises. When you are faced with challenges, perplexing circumstances, and what seems like an endless list of insurmountable problems, do you give in to despair or do your turn to God with hope and confidence in his provision for you? God the Father never abandons us or refuses our plea for help. That is why he sent us his only begotten Son as our Savior. Do you trust in God for every area of your life? Where does your faith need to be strengthened? Ask the Lord to increase your faith and trust in his word.
"Lord Jesus, you came to save us from fear, despair, and sin, and from every form of evil that would rob us of hope in your promises. May I always rejoice in your salvation and trust in your wise and loving plan for my life".
Psalm 89:2-5,27,29
2 For thy steadfast love was established for ever, thy faithfulness
is firm as the heavens.
3 Thou hast said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have
sworn to David my servant:
4 `I will establish your descendants for ever, and build your throne
for all generations.'" [Selah]
5 Let the heavens praise thy wonders, O LORD, thy faithfulness in the
assembly of the holy ones!
27 And I will make him the first-born, the highest of the kings of
the earth.
29 I will establish his line for ever and his throne as the days of
the heavens.