And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

~Matthew 1:19

In the gospel of Matthew we meet a man who must decide—very publicly—what he believes, when his hopes and fears collide in one unexpected announcement.

Joseph’s anticipated future of a simple, faithful life is shattered when his wife-to-be reveals that she is expecting a child—a child who is unexpected in every possible way. From a conversation with an angel to a baby conceived by God’s holy spirit, there is much in Mary’s story to cause Joseph fear.

Did Joseph disbelieve it all? Or was he curious, maybe even amazed, but held back by social pressure and worry? In Matthew’s brief, straightforward telling, there’s much that goes unsaid. Joseph is “just,” good-willed, honest; and despite having made a decision to separate himself from his fiancé and her claims, he does not have peace about the situation— until an angel interrupts his sleep, steering him firmly back on course.

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

~Matthew 1:20

Don’t be afraid, Joseph. Don’t be afraid to believe. Don’t be afraid to trust the most surprising news you’ve ever heard, and to see it not as the ruin of your life but as the start of something incredible. We can almost hear Joseph exhale, exhausted but strengthened and resolved: he’s going to do what no one expects.

When our hopes and fears collide, will we believe in a God who loves us and works all things together for good? Or will we listen to the voices of cynicism, bitterness, and self-preservation?

This December, the hopes and fears of all the years will gather around our dinner tables; they will nudge us in our sleep, and as we sit in the pews, or wait in the checkout line. We all bring to Christmas the collision of everything that is good and terrible in our lives and our world—which is just how Christmas must be, and just as it always was.

This third week of Advent, take a few daily moments to acknowledge both your hopes and fears for this season. Let go of the holiday task lists and the shiny images we project. Envision yourself coming to Bethlehem, to the little town whose dark streets are lit by the presence of a savior who came to meet us in all the unexpected situations of our lives.

Consider the story of Joseph, and ask: What will you believe? 

Verses for Week 3

Day 1

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

~Matthew 1:22-23

Day 2

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

~Jeremiah 29:11-13

 

Day 3

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:6-7

 

Day 4

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

~Romans 8:28

 

Day 5

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”

~Luke 1:46-49