DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Two Kingdoms
by Judy Webb
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother, Mary, was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18)
What a shock this would be to all who knew Mary. Did Mary’s world crumble at this news? Did she cry out, “O God, what will become of me?” After all, she was but a child herself!
This passage of Luke confirms Matthew’s writing: The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most-High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called Son of God. (Luke 1:35)
We are very familiar with these texts, as we hear and read them each year at this time. But, I have always wondered about Mary’s betrothed. When did he hear this news, was it through the grape vine of gossip? It seems that as soon as Mary’s meeting with the angel concluded, she packed her bags to go visit her Aunt Elizabeth. It stands to reason; a young girl would seek out the wisdom and comfort of another woman. But what about Joseph? Where would he find comfort and wise counsel?
Well, it seems God had an angel for this occasion as well. Matthew 1:20 tells us: “But after he (Joseph) had considered this (divorcing Mary), an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream 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.”
I am learning that while the Christmas season is all about Jesus, our Savior and King, it is also about Mary his mother, and Joseph his earthly father. And this earthly father was faithful and loving and open to whatever God was doing. He had strong characteristics: charitable (Matthew 1:19), faithful (1:24), obedient (2:14), and faithful to religious duty (Matthew 2:19-23).
Here we witness dual paternity, the one legal and the other divine. God was thoroughly involved in the event of bringing His Son into the world. Jesus is physically Mary’s son and legally Joseph’s son. “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. (Romans 10:4)
Jesus’ birth fulfills scripture!
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, help us to always remember the true reason for this season, Jesus our King and Savior. Let us be thankful too, for Jesus' earthly parents who had miraculous faith in you. What an example Mary and Joseph portrayed as they loved, nurtured, and protected their Son, Jesus. May we do no less. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
Love today’s writings! Shows us the power of the Holy Spirit at work to save the world. Even though we cannot understant the mystery of Mary’s conception. Thank you.