This past weekend in worship we heard the story of the angel appearing to Joseph, telling him that Mary was going to give birth to the Messiah. Before the angel appeared, Joseph had already resolved to dismiss Mary quietly. In Jewish culture, it was the “right thing to do,” and it was the most respectful choice for Mary, for her family, and for Joseph’s family.
But after a dream, Joseph makes the courageous choice to choose a better way. That way would not be easy. In fact, it would be challenging. It would require more of Joseph, and it would launch Joseph into an entirely new direction as the adoptive father of the Son of God.
Each and every day, we make a host of decisions. Some decisions are quite small, while others have lasting implications. As you continue your preparations this Advent season, take a moment to reflect on a time you made a difficult decision: How did you find your way to the choice you made? Who was involved in helping you make a choice? And how was God at work in that experience?
Even when we least expect it, God is moving, and God is speaking to us. At times we may choose to dismiss God’s leading. But time and time again, in compassion, our God will continually come to us, summoning us to choose a better way…to choose the truth and life of living in relationship with Christ our Lord.