Advent Week 2: Faith

This Sunday has two differing views. Some Traditions say this is the Advent of Peace, others say Love. If we put the two together we get FAITH. So today let us look at the faith of Joseph. Scripture tells us that Joseph was troubled when the angel Gabriel announced to Joseph that Mary is with child and He will be called Jesus, Yeshua, Emmanuel, God With Us, Prince of Peace. What a heavy burden to bear that his wife to whom he just was betrothed (modern engaged) to. He was working on the home where they would live which was an extension of his old home to make more room when Gabriel came to him in a dream. Joseph was not ready for this. He had to work on his faith.

Faith is Having Trust in God

Joseph’s faith was put to the test. His young bride would be nearing childbirth even before the marriage ceremony would take place. What could he do? Divorce her, hide her away, could he speed up the process of marriage since he already had a home and a business? Mary was ok with the Will of God using her but to Joseph, their reputation was on the line. Mary would be ousted from the community or possibly stoned. But God soothed the thoughts of the man who would be raising His Son.

Gabriel came to Joseph and told him not to fear and to trust God because He will take care of all things. Joseph was still worried about others in the community to include his own family. But after a while Joseph came to realize that God has a plan and he must do as God says. He changed his trust from those around him to listening and trusting solely in God.

Faith Moves Mountains

Because of the situation, Mary went to see her cousin Elizabeth who was with child. The Gospel tells us that John leapt (or moved vigorously) in the womb when Mary approached Elizabeth. How did he know? The simple answer is that since they were gifts of the Holy Spirit they recognized each other. But science could say this. The child developing in the womb feels what the mother is feeling and the eternal joy and inner peace that Elizabeth had went into overdrive and the very presence of Mary. The messenger told Elizabeth that Mary was also with child and He is the Messiah.

Joseph, in the mean-time, was still struggling with what to do. He had already sent Mary away but what happens when she returns? He still was not in full with God’s plan but his faith was moving. Judea was under Roman rule and a census was decreed where all Jewish men had to go to the towns of their forefathers. Joseph married Mary. The Baby was near due so He  took her to Bethlehem.

We trust in God that He will take care of things. As mountains actually do move slowly we must have patience and wait for God’s timing. As our faith grows, mountains are moved because God’s Will is active in our lives. Joseph put his full trust in God since the angel Gabriel came and soothed all his worries. He trusted God more than ever and did as God had told him.

Faith is Full Devotion to God   

Joseph surrendered fully to God and followed His Will. Finding a place in Bethlehem at the time was not easy and I am sure a little frustrating but God moves people in mysterious ways. We are told that the Baby was ready to be born so a place had to be found quickly. In their frustration they still trusted God and were set up in a stable. The devotion of Mary and eventually Joseph brought them to the place where it was preordained that Jesus would come into the world. The Word has come to Bethlehem. Praise Be to God.

In God’s Loving Embrace,

 Rob, Servant of God