We can take comfort in the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph as the Christmas season approaches and we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Even though Christmas may not seem as bright and cheerful this year, we should remember that Mary and Joseph played a significant role at the very first Christmas.
How would you feel if you were Mary and Joseph? It must have been impossible for them to imagine what it was like for them to find out that Mary was pregnant, to have angels visit them and deliver indescribable news, and to live each day as parents of the Son of God. We find great encouragement in the gospels about Mary and Joseph's faithfulness.
When we look at the Bible, we find that the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph played a big part in the miraculous events leading up to Jesus' birth. God used their faithfulness to accomplish something bigger than them both.
We can look to Mary and Joseph, who endured a variety of hardships and trials, this Christmas, as we celebrate differently with the various challenges we may face.
Encouraging Faith Even When it Begins to Wane
The circumstances weren't ideal for Mary and Joseph, but God chose them because of their faithfulness. Mary was told not to fear and that she was accepted by God by the angel. She was told that Jesus was going to be her son, and he that he would be the Savior of the world.
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:30-31).
When an angel of the Lord appeared to Mary, she was set to marry Joseph when he told her she would miraculously conceive and give birth to a son — he'd be called Jesus, and he'd be the Son of God.
When she found out she was pregnant, she was a young virgin engaged to Joseph. She wasn't famous, did not live in a big city, and certainly didn't expect to take part in something that would change the future of the entire world.
Mary found favor with God because of her faithfulness. Hence, he picked her for the most important part of his plan: Jesus coming to save the world. He uses the “Marys” of the world, faithful and humble people to carry out His good and perfect will.
As a Christian, even if your circumstances aren't ideal this Christmas, you're still helping God's kingdom. We get God's favor by our faithfulness, not our status, wealth, or reputation — just like Mary and Joseph. Thanks to our faithfulness, God will do mighty things this Christmas. Let's keep our hearts open for what God has in store for us.
Trust in God with Humility
It was all in God's plan and Mary's faithfulness endured. When Mary became pregnant and gave birth to a son, it was the most radical news of her life, and her faithfulness helped her rise to the occasion. The angel told her she wouldn't know what was to come, but she trusted God and embraced his plan in humility.
Despite not knowing what will happen on the path God has us on, we can trust Him. Our year is coming to an end, and we can surrender to God completely, letting Him lead us and guide our steps this Christmas.
If we're faithful to God, we don't have to worry about the end of the journey or what the big picture holds. We can surrender to Him no matter what.
Don't Try to Figure it Out on Your Own
Joseph became open to God's plans because he was faithful to the word of the Lord. At first, Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly because he was faithful to the law, but he didn't want to embarrass her publicly. Then, in the middle of the night, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and said,
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Mary will give birth to a Son, and you're supposed to name Him Jesus, because he saves people from their sins.” When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord told Him and took her home to be his wife (Matthew 1:19-21,24).
Mary's reaction to God's call is often the focus of the gospel accounts about the events leading up to Jesus' birth. But the story of Joseph shows us how this good man of God was able to adjust his plans to stay on course with God's will.
Adaptation is what Joseph did when he realized his plans for the year would need to change because God had something else in mind for Him. During this holiday season and into the New Year, we can let go of our agendas and follow God's path instead.
We can learn a lot from Joseph's ability to let God lead. You have to keep an open mind even when you have plans in place. God may tell you to do something different.
This Christmas season, we can follow God's lead just like Joseph. The Lord gave Joseph strength and peace. We pray that God gives us the same peace and strength.
Uncertainty Is an Opportunity to Praise God
Mary worshipped the Lord in the unknown because of her faith.
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth, 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).
By reading Mary's response to what was to come, we see how deeply faithful she was. Mary had to face a terrifying and overwhelming circumstance. We've all faced a lot of unpredictability this year, and fear has been on the rise. Sometimes it's hard to cope.
In the midst of uncertainty, we can praise the Lord for his goodness and mercy as Mary did. Through our contribution to the advancement of His Kingdom, we can praise Him. His unconditional love is worthy of our worship.
No matter what happens this holiday season, we can still worship our Lord and Savior and remember the birth of Jesus. Despite the challenges we have faced this year, may we trust that God is still doing great things for us and bring our worshipful hearts to Him.
We're inspired by the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph in the gospel accounts of the events leading up to Jesus' birth. Despite everything they faced, they held onto their faith. I hope we can all cling to God in every situation and hold on to our faith.
For further reading:
Did Mary and Joseph Really Stay in a Cave?
Why Is Joseph’s Family Tree Included in Jesus’ Birth?
What Does the Bible Say about the Angel Gabriel?
What Is the Full Story of Jesus’ Birth?
What Can Christmas Tell Us about God’s Glory?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/ChrisGorgio
Glory Dy has been a content creator for more than 10 years. She lives in a quiet suburb with her family and four cats.
