Have you ever tried to walk in the dark? In someone else’s house? Or on a dark road in nature? It can be scary, unnerving at best. It’s always helpful and encouraging to have someone there to shed some light on the path.
I think that’s how Joseph and Mary must have felt. They were navigating through the darkness of tradition and propriety. Old Testament law said that the penalty of sexual intercourse before marriage was death and at the very least, worthy of being ostracized by the family.
Enter Joseph.
“This is how Jesus Christ was born. A young woman named Mary was engaged to Joseph from King David’s family. But before they were married, she learned that she was going to have a baby by God’s Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was a good man and did not want to embarrass Mary in front of everyone. So he decided to quietly call off the wedding.
20 While Joseph was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, the baby that Mary will have is from the Holy Spirit. Go ahead and marry her. 21 Then after her baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. 22 So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23 “A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:18-23 CEV
There is no cross without a manger. No Easter without Christmas.
“Then the angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, 31 and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High.” Luke 1:30-32 CEV
“ All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. 10 But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11 CEV
The angels came with a message, with direction, with hope and peace. Generally, their first words were “don’t be afraid”. Fear needs to be dispelled so that we can comprehend the rest of the message.
A child, a Savior, the Son of God is born. He IS Christ the Lord and He WILL save His people from their sins!
Jewish babies were born all the time, but none were like this one. He came from God’s right hand and He was miraculously conceived. He had a purpose.
“A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man who was devoted to God…26 The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah from the Lord…33 Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what Simeon said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, ‘Many Jews will fall and many will rise because of this boy. He will be a sign from God that some will not accept. 35 So the secret thoughts of many will be made known. And the things that happen will be painful for you—like a sword cutting through your heart.’” Luke 2:25-33 ERV
Here we have the young parents and the old, faithful servant of God. Young parents who have the responsibility of raising God’s Son. The old man, who knows how this child’s life will end. God is faithful to them both.
He is also faithful to us. He has promised to never leave or abandon us; He will shed light on our path, even in the darkest hours, and will provide light for our journey.
“…Everything that was created 4 received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone…” John 1:3-4 CEV
Because of the cross we never have to navigate the darkness alone!