The Perfect Plan - Miracle of AdventSample

The “Perfect” Father - The Blessing of Obedience (Joseph’s Story)

“Do not be afraid.” How those words tend to have the opposite effect. At the first mention of that phrase, we tend to brace for what’s next—often it causes us to be even more on edge rather than to bring calmness and peace.

Joseph discovers that Mary is pregnant. He knows that the baby is not his, but he also knows that Jewish law could find Mary guilty of adultery—a sin punishable by death.

But being a righteous Jewish man, Joseph also understands the virtues of grace and mercy. He trusts the instructions of the angel of the Lord, and instead of publicly exposing Mary to public condemnation, he quietly marries her, submitting to the will of God.

Joseph offers his obedience to both the Lord and to his new wife and strives to become a righteous husband and father. While fear and trepidation would have been at the forefront of Joseph’s mind, he would have been joyfully humbled that God chose him to answer his calling and to be such an important part of a greater plan.

This morning, we light the pink candle, often called the “Joy candle.” Pink is the liturgical color for joy, and we remember the excitement and anticipation that the shepherds felt as they journeyed to Bethlehem. We are also filled with great joy. While Joseph was a good father, we have a Perfect Father in Heaven who bestows mercy over His people who joyfully praise and honor His son, Jesus Christ.