“Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.””
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A Jesus Story Retold - Joseph’s Nightmare
No matter how hard he tried, Joseph couldn't get to sleep. He tossed and turned on the bed that he built for himself while still an apprentice. It was a solid piece of furniture with dovetail joints that he cut to perfection. For the last three nights, the bed provided no comfort. King Herod himself didn't have a bed that would give the luxury of sleep to such a troubled mind.
A few days ago, Joseph didn't have a care in the world. He was an established carpenter in the City of David. Through years of learning his trade, Joseph became an accomplished craftsman. Not only were his saw cuts straight and precise, but so was his character. Joseph's reputation around Bethlehem was one of honesty and integrity. More than once, the townsfolk called him a "righteous man." Joseph strove to walk faithfully with God and his neighbors.
With his career established, Joseph turned his attention toward starting a family. More than anything else, he wanted to be a "papa." A carpenter's life wasn't easy, but it could support a wife and a few kids. Joseph longed for a son (or two, or three) that he could teach how to use a plane. More than once, while he was planing a board, Joseph imagined a small hand under his.
Mary seemed like the person who would make that dream come true. Although he didn't know much about her before the betrothal, such arrangements were not uncommon. Marriage was about learning to love each other over time. It was a matter not of infatuation but fidelity. Trust and faithfulness take time to bloom. Joseph looked with anticipation towards building a life with Mary.
That was until she came into his carpenter's shop with a troubling revelation. Mary was pregnant! If that wasn't enough to bear, she maintained her innocence. How could a virgin conceive? Despite all Mary's protestations to the contrary, it was impossible!
When the news became public, it would tarnish both reputations. Before long, everyone in town would know of the pending birth. There was not much time for Joseph to decide his course of action. His anger boiled within as he asked her to leave his shop.
The law allowed for him to denounce Mary's unborn child and her unfaithfulness in front of everybody. Harsh as it seemed, it would maintain Joseph's standing in the community. He did nothing improper. Why should he have to bear the sins of another? As much as he wanted to have a family, he wanted to father the children. How could he love the offspring of another as his own?
But what would happen to Mary? To her child? They would forever be outcasts, labeled as unpure as prostitutes and tax collectors. Her family will probably disown them. They would need to leave town.
If only there were another way. Joseph pondered. What if he dismissed her quietly? Mary could disappear and find refuge elsewhere. Didn't she have an aged child-less cousin near Jerusalem?
The more he gave it thought, the more Joseph was convinced. Resolved to break the news to Mary in the morning, he went to bed.
That was hours ago. Though it was long past midnight, sleep did not visit Joseph. The woven blanket was all in a bundle.
Suddenly, the room brightened with unnatural light. Joseph rose from his bed only to fall to his knees. Putting his hand in front of his face, he sought to shield his eyes from the glare. Who was that standing in the room? Could it be an angel?
Why would an angel visit a carpenter? Angels only visited people of prominence like Abraham, Jacob, and his biblical namesake - Joseph. Those days of heavenly encounters were over. At least that is what Joseph thought before this encounter.
As the angel spoke to Joseph in the surreal dreamscape, clarity came. God was at work in not only Mary's pregnancy but would use the life of this child to do remarkable, unexplainable things. Claiming the unborn boy as his son, Joseph would be a part of a larger plan.
Now he knew what he must do, what righteousness demanded of him. Joseph would name the child, Jesus. Illumination came through revelation. Joseph's nightmare became a peace-filled dream.
PRAYER:
Light a candle (or two candles on your Advent wreath), take a deep breath, and pray…
O Come Creator of celestial light and shine on all creation. Shine the mystery of your light amid my confusion, turmoil, and things I can't begin to understand. Though your wisdom is beyond all human comprehension, give me enough wisdom that allows me to walk my daily journey with trust and faith. Through the Resurrected Body of Christ, Amen.
Permission granted to share with friends and family. Copyrighted 2019. Walt Lichtenberger