5 Days to Christmas. Sunday, Dec 20, 2020

“Horn, Whisper, or Voice?”

Joseph probably has the most difficult and relatable responsibilities in the Bible. As the step-father of Jesus, one can only imagine how unworthy he felt in comparison to Jesus’ biological Father. As part of this responsibility, he also must overcome tremendous social and cultural challenges. Could we have been as faithful as Joseph if we had been visited by an angel? The thought is provoking.

For starters, after Joseph is visited by the angel, the problems were just beginning. If he decided to take Mary as his wife, he certainly would have lost professional credibility. It would be likely that few people would seek to employ his work, given that he was marrying his pregnant, fatherless bride. The social ridicule and gossip would have been terrible, to the point that he probably had to consider that he and his bride would have to move to another town.

Would that solve their problems? No, it would not. In a new town, he would be a stranger. He would have to likely beg for employment and try to find a home for his young family. In addition, how does one provide for the mother of Jesus Christ? Would anyone dare to argue with Mary? What would the day-to-day living be like, caring for Mary and Jesus?

Joseph not only overcomes all these hurdles, but he also does so in a grand fashion. After Jesus' birth, the Bible describes incredible hardships and danger. Yet in each of them, Joseph follows God’s direction and leads his young family to safety. Then, somewhere along the way, he’s able to secure a home, employment, and everything else that the Holy Family needs.

What challenges do we face? If an angel visited us today and delivered some news that would change our home, livelihood, and identity, could we remain faithful to God for the entirety of our lives? This is a great question to ponder, namely, because God speaks to us much more often than we realize (or want to admit).

Take some time to reflect on your day. Has God spoken? What about the little things you experienced today? Did God speak through them? Take a few deep breaths. What did you hear? God is always speaking, but maybe not through an Angel blowing a horn. More often, it’s a whisper in the wind or the voice of a friend.

“Look! I’m standing at the door and knocking. If any hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to be with them…” (Revelation 3:20, CEB)