Countdown to Christmas - December 22, 2022

What is at the center of your Christmas celebration? The tree? Family? The food? Years ago, I was feeling a little meh about all of the seasonal trappings, and wanted to make a little more room in our inn for Jesus. I suggested we do something "different" with our Christmas tree. Before that thought gained traction, my husband voiced his opinion: he wouldn't hear of it. What he fails to realize is, prayer is my secret weapon. I don't fight, I pray. And, last year, no tree. We purchased a Moravian star and hung it above a ladder which we decorated. I grant you, it was still a focal point, but with less muss, less fuss, less time, less attention, and our nativity scene was equally as eye-catching. This year, at his insistence, our nativity is the main attraction. Winning! From the first time I decorated my own home for Christmas, I always had a nativity scene, but I'll be honest with you, it was usually one of those "homeless" sort of decorations. Where do we put this? Will it fit on top of the fridge? Put it next to the light up beer stein Aunt Paula sent us from Germany! God has changed my heart, however, and the birthday of Jesus is the reason I celebrate rather than a troubling reminder of what I'm supposed to be devoted to. It is the reason and the focal point of Christmas joy. 

On reading Matthew 1 the other day, I realized there is a figure in our nativity scenes we don't always acknowledge or, even, know what to do with: Joseph. He stands there, usually behind the manger, staring at The Babe. Reverent? In awe? Feeling a little displaced? Why is he there? To protect his adopted son? From what? And isn't God doing that? He is not the biological father-- no doubt that subjected him to all sorts of judgment and ridicule. In fact, it seems, as one of the major players in this tableau, he was the last to know; Matthew tells us Mary was "found with child" (v.18) before the angel showed up to clue Joseph in. Prior to that, Joseph clearly had reservations. However, Matthew says something very significant in his description of Joseph:

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

Joseph was a just man. The Amplified Version says he was "just and righteous." The Complete Jewish Bible says he was "a man who did what was right." Joseph was a man living in accordance with Jewish law, with God's law. He was leading a covenant life with his Creator. He was obedient. I want you to see this: God's law tells us what is and isn't sin so that we might be protected against harmful behavior. God's law reveals the consequences of sin, and assures us it is impossible to work our way toward a righteousness acceptable enough to God, commanding us instead, to seek the righteousness of Christ found at the cross. By following God's law, Joseph had developed a heart inclined toward good things, righteous things. In Hosea 10:12, the prophet tells Israel to do righteous things, not in an effort to be righteous, but as they were waiting for God's Righteousness, Jesus, to come! In so doing, by obeying, they were preparing their hearts to recognize Righteousness when they saw Him. Two quick points before we get back to Joseph: 

First, John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way of Jesus and to urge others to be prepared as well. Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight! Wherever He will tread, wherever He will come to make His abode-- make those paths ready. Please don't read self-righteousness here-- far from it. The Holy Spirit draws us, but we need to listen to those inclinations. The longer we resist, the more hardened our hearts become; which leads me to the second point.

As a parent, I sometimes required my child to do things, things that to them may not have made much sense. Why make my bed if I'm just going to get back in it later tonight? Doing those things taught them to obey, to do the things they might not see as valuable because I was telling them to do them. It inclined their hearts toward being compliant. Had I dropped the issue out of frustration the first time they objected, I would have been teaching them to complain and rebel.

So, back to Joseph. His heart was prepared. He had an obedient spirit. Matthew never explains, "Joseph was so in love with Mary, he couldn't divorce her." Instead, Matthew tells us that Joseph was so in love with God's law, he was ready to see the face of Jesus. He was willing to trust the words of the angel, endure whatever ridicule or danger, and care for this young girl and her Child because of the path through his heart worn by obedience. The few remaining times we encounter Joseph in Scripture he is again being visited by angels and following God's instructions. Obedient. Righteous. 

When you encounter Joseph in your nativity scene this year-- Yes, pull it down off the fridge if you have to; it's okay --take an extra minute to look at Joseph. What's he doing there? He is the figure of a just life, a righteous life, a life lived in preparation to see Jesus, the Fulfillment of the Law.

Merry Christmas!