With little more than a week to go until Christmas, there’s still plenty of time to shop and plenty of time to learn a new lesson. One lesson that can be particularly hard to learn is saying “Yes” to God even when it means giving all we have to those who have the least. Along with that usually comes the lesson of loving those we never planned on loving. It’s known as a two-for-one or simply a “two-fer.”
In Matthew’s gospel we hear the story of Joseph’s dream as he comes to grips with the unbelievable responsibility that is set before him: serving as the earthly father to the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God. The angel tells him “And you shall call him Jesus.” Joseph surely had other plans for his life, but he listened to God and he obeyed. He is remembered as a talented carpenter and a hard-working provider. Yet he still found time to set the standard for all future fathers with his unconditional love for Mary and his promise to raise and love her child. He also took it upon himself to spiritually prepare the boy for His miraculous adult ministry and unparalleled divine destiny. There is even a branch of study devoted to him called Josephology. But all we need to know about Joseph is this: He listened to God. He loved and took care of his family. He put his desires and dreams on hold for the good of the universe. He did all of this to the best of his ability and he was most definitely blessed.
Mary. Joseph. An Innkeeper. Shepherds. The Magi. Countless others unmentioned and unnamed who no doubt assisted the young family in ways small and large as it faced challenging odds for survival. So many sacrifices and such willing players in the drama about to unfold before all the Earth and all of history. May we also find it in our hearts to learn what our role is in this beautiful and powerful story that has no end. We will be called to give much when we think we have nothing. We will be called to love when our instincts tell us otherwise. And through it all, we will help to keep the name of Jesus on the lips and in the hearts of the next generation. May all the faithful come together in this season of love and adore Him in unison; for He is indeed Christ, the Lord!
In Matthew’s gospel we hear the story of Joseph’s dream as he comes to grips with the unbelievable responsibility that is set before him: serving as the earthly father to the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God. The angel tells him “And you shall call him Jesus.” Joseph surely had other plans for his life, but he listened to God and he obeyed. He is remembered as a talented carpenter and a hard-working provider. Yet he still found time to set the standard for all future fathers with his unconditional love for Mary and his promise to raise and love her child. He also took it upon himself to spiritually prepare the boy for His miraculous adult ministry and unparalleled divine destiny. There is even a branch of study devoted to him called Josephology. But all we need to know about Joseph is this: He listened to God. He loved and took care of his family. He put his desires and dreams on hold for the good of the universe. He did all of this to the best of his ability and he was most definitely blessed.
Mary. Joseph. An Innkeeper. Shepherds. The Magi. Countless others unmentioned and unnamed who no doubt assisted the young family in ways small and large as it faced challenging odds for survival. So many sacrifices and such willing players in the drama about to unfold before all the Earth and all of history. May we also find it in our hearts to learn what our role is in this beautiful and powerful story that has no end. We will be called to give much when we think we have nothing. We will be called to love when our instincts tell us otherwise. And through it all, we will help to keep the name of Jesus on the lips and in the hearts of the next generation. May all the faithful come together in this season of love and adore Him in unison; for He is indeed Christ, the Lord!
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