“an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Mat 1:20-21 NIV)
Consider what you might feel if every shred of evidence indicated the love of your life had betrayed you. What if your family’s honor was at stake? What if your betrothed could be stoned publically for his/her sin against you? Would you even give it a second thought, as Joseph did?
Through Matthew’s narrative of Joseph’s experience, the world gets a glimpse of true love. The proverbial ball was in Joseph’s court and he had rights that would not have been denied him, if he had chosen them. Of course, Mary could not explain what had happened. Why would Joseph believe her? Perhaps she had explained to Joseph about Gabriel’s visit and message. Maybe that is why Joseph was prayerfully considering the situation.
Evidently, one of his choices was to go through with the marital plans. Since the Holy Spirit reads the hearts of humans, He could read the intent and the fear that such intent gave Joseph. Note the words of the angel: “Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” Why didn’t the angel say, “Don’t be afraid for your family” or “Don’t be afraid for your reputation” or “Don’t be afraid for what the community will say”? Instead the Lord’s assurance to Joseph concerned what was still in Joseph’s heart . . . love for Mary.
The Lord’s messenger went a step further and gave Joseph confirmation that his love for Mary was the correct choice. The conception which had occurred in Mary was a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit and neither Joseph nor Mary need be afraid to continue. When our intentions are holy, love will search for a solution. When our intentions are holy, the Holy Spirit will confirm the correct choice.
The baby of whom the Lord’s angel spoke is God’s solution of love. Christmas came because of God’s love for all people. Christmas still comes each year to remind us of God’s love for us. The choice of love! Aren’t you glad God chose love?
Dear Father, thank you for your solution of love — at the Cross — in your Son. Grant to us the strength of love that we may make the correct choices in our lives. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN!
Be encouraged today in love’s solution,