Third Sunday of Advent

Opening

This Advent we explore how God meets us in the ordinariness and messiness of life, We continue with Joseph.

Matthew 1: 18-25

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly.  But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife  but had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son,  and he named him Jesus.

Reflection

Joseph was an honorable man whose hopes were dashed, whose dreams went up in smoke. The life he planned on was seemingly gone. When and where has that happened for you? When have doubts and questions plagued you, or are they now?  God met Joseph in a dream. How has God met you? If you haven’t, you are invited to share your doubts and questions with God. It may bring a sense of relief in doing so, in lamenting losses. Be gentle with yourself and notice in what ways God comes to you. Maybe God comes through an experience with nature, through the love of a friend, a listening ear, or an answered prayer. 

Prayer

Divine One, I lament my losses. As you met Joseph, please meet me. Help me to see your love and care for me and for us. Amen.

Rev. Eva Sullivan-Knoff, Executive Director