December 28 | Matthew 1:18-25

Elaine Pierce
Dec 28, 2025
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Joseph's Dream

By Elaine Pierce

Matthew tells us that Joseph was a righteous man. As a Jew living in Roman-occupied Israel, he was certainly not living as a free man. Yes, the Jews had a puppet governor, Herod, but he did the bidding of the Romans. Joseph was part of an oppressed minority, and he and his fellow Jews had little power or authority. And yet, he was a righteous man.

When the angel appeared to him in a dream and explained that Mary's baby was not born out of adultery - oh, no, this baby is no ordinary baby: "he will save his people from their sins. (1:21)." This baby's purpose is to save 'his people' and that includes us, from our sins. No, he isn't going to save them from the Romans - but from something far deeper and lasting.

We know how this story turns out, so it's easy to blow past this part of the narrative. Of course he obeyed the angel of the Lord. Of course he didn't divorce Mary. But just for a moment, put yourself in Joseph's place. What emotions would you be experiencing? How would you explain this situation to your family and friends? How on earth can this be happening? What will happen to my standing in the community? Can I really trust this dream? Mary says it's true.....why us?

God chose Mary and Joseph, two everyday people, to be Jesus' earthly parents. They weren't wealthy. They weren't well known. Joseph came from a backwater town, Bethlehem. He was a simple carpenter. But he was righteous. He followed God's law and he was a faithful Jew.

C. S. Lewis said that "There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal." All of us are created in God's image, to love and serve him. What joy it will be when we meet Him face to face! Now we see in part; then we will know him fully. Let's thank God for humble servants like Joseph, and let's look for ways to be obedient, even when we don't have all the answers. Take heart! He reigns, forever and ever!

PRAYER

Lord, so often I want to do things my way, and I fail to stop and ask you for guidance. Help me to come to you first, and to seek you and find you. You are faithful and just, and you will lead me even when I don't know exactly where we are going. Thank you for your Word, and thank you for the examples of the godly men and women who have gone before me. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!