Commitment and Integrity

                                                              Revisiting Mary and Joseph

                Growing up with Gladys Smith as my grandma found me as a little one firmly understanding that Christmas celebrated the birth of Jesus. We sang Christmas carols. A small tree and the nativity set stood side by side on the top of the bookcase. Nativity figures inspired by Grandma, cut out by Grandpa and painted by Mother filled he large window in the living room. Large outdoor Christmas lights illuminated the window.

                Grandma instilled that Christmas remembrances must emphasize the coming of Jesus into the world. But as Jesus does even today, His coming brought fear, consternation, and uncertainty. Gabriel’s sudden appearance to Mary elicited fear but Gabriel told her not to be afraid. God was changing the trajectory of her life with the upcoming birth of His Son. Mary’s consternation over having a baby prompted Gabriel to say, “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Finally, the uncertainty of how God’s plan for her would unfold, led Mary to acquiesce to her Lord, “I belong to the Lord, body and soul. Let it happen as You say.”*

Lauralea Corley portrayed Mary in the 1990s
reenactment of the Nativity. This photo
 captured the resolute commitment by Mary
 to be used by God no matter the cost.

                Joseph, the man “espoused” to Mary, was blindsided by Mary’s shocking news. The espousal was a formal, binding agreement that preceded the marriage ceremony. Dissolving the espousal involved more than a 21^st century engagement breakup, usually resulting in public shaming of the female. Joseph described as an “honorable, just, upright, righteous” man, reacted to the decimation of his dream for marriage and family with concern for Mary, not himself. Even though Joseph knew he had behaved with integrity throughout their relationship, he wanted no drama at all – for Mary’s sake. Yet as soon as the Lord gave him insight into His plan through the angel’s message, Joseph “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.”** So instead of dissolving the betrothal, Joseph entered the marriage contract with Mary just as God told him.

Randy Corley portrayed Joseph in the a 1990s
Ralston Baptist Church's slide-generated
Christmas program. His face conveyed honor, 
uprightness, and Joseph's commitment to 
God and in turn, to Mary, the mother of his 
Savior.

                Weekly, we are faced with skewed plans. We pray for God’s will and His direction in our lives. Then He leads in a way that never appeared on our drawing board. When the unthinkable happens, how easily blame finds its way into our thoughts and words. If we follow Joseph’s example, we won’t yield to that temptation. When hopes and dreams are dashed, complaints and resistance loom large in our reaction. If we model the response of Mary, we consent humbly, full of trust, and love for the Lord. May He give us grace to trust Him more and fill our hearts with devotion and obedience to each of His promptings this Christmas season.

*Luke 1:38 - The Message.
**Matthew 1:24 - The New King James Version