Unwrapping Advent: Through Voices of Wisdom Dec. 9
Monday, December 9, 2024
Day 9
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ happened.
Mary, his mother, was engaged to Joseph.
Before they got married, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph was a good man. He didn’t want to embarrass Mary, so he planned to end the engagement quietly.
While he was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord
appeared to him in a dream.
The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to marry Mary.
The child she is carrying is from the Holy Spirit.
She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus
because he will save people from their sins.”
This happened to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son,
and they will call him Emmanuel.” (Emmanuel means “God with us.”)
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel commanded
and married Mary. But he did not have sexual relations with her
until she gave birth to a son. Joseph named him Jesus.
Matthew 1:18-25, CEB
Divine Disruption; Divine Peace
In our busy lives, unexpected events can feel like unwelcome disruptions and surprises. But during Advent, we learn that these disruptions and surprises can be times when we most experience God’s peace and presence.
Think about Joseph. His life changed when he found out Mary was pregnant. Joseph was good and had to choose between following the law, divorcing her, or showing love. He decided to protect Mary from shame by showing compassion instead of strictly adhering to the law.
An angel appeared in Joseph’s dream, telling him not to fear marrying Mary because the Holy Spirit conceived the child. This message gave Joseph peace and helped him face challenges with trust and calmness. He followed God’s instructions right away, showing deep faith and peace. Joseph’s choice to go against society and accept a different family structure speaks to many who seek love and acceptance today.
Joseph’s story didn’t end there. After Jesus was born, another message came, telling them to go to Egypt to keep safe from King Herod. Joseph quickly obeyed, showing his dedication to his family’s safety. His actions showed his trust in God, even when things were uncertain.
I remember times when my life was unexpectedly disrupted and changed. Everything seemed to fall apart—my plans and dreams. Like Joseph, I had to decide whether to hold onto my expectations or step into the unknown. The fear was real, but so was the peace of God that came with the decision.
During these times, I felt firmly assured that I was not alone. It seemed like God was saying, “I am with you,” just like with Joseph. This peace of God helped me through tough times, showing that disruptions can lead us to where we belong and need to be.
Joseph’s story teaches us peace isn’t about having no disruptions or problems but experiencing God’s assuring presence during them. His faith encourages us to trust God’s guidance, find peace in the unexpected, and take on the roles and responsibilities God gives us, knowing that Emmanuel—God with us—is always by our side.
As we experience this Advent season anew, may we, like Joseph, find peace in life’s disruptions and surprises, trusting they are opportunities for God’s love and grace to enter our lives in new ways.
Reflect: How can you embrace unexpected disruptions in life as opportunities to experience God’s presence and peace, just as Joseph did?
Where do you need to open yourself to a deeper trust in God to allow His love and grace to enter your life in new ways?
Pray: Lord God, in moments of uncertainty and unexpected change, help me to trust in Your plan and presence. Give me the courage to follow Your guidance, even when the path is unclear. May Your peace fill my heart, reminding me that You are always with me, guiding me through every disruption and surprise. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr.
Horizon Texas Conference