There is an untold story in the gospel accounts of Jesus' birth. It is the story of Joseph, Mary’s soon-to-be husband. Joseph demonstrates a faith that is profound, deep and courageous. Yet, the faith or even the person of Joseph is rarely mentioned. The baby Jesus and Mary overshadow the role that Joseph plays in the early chapters of the gospel.
First, Joseph defies the law of the land by staying with Mary. By law, he would have to divorce his pregnant fiancé. But Joseph encounters an angel and is told to take Mary as his wife, although that would be in direct defiance of the law. For Joseph, love is above the law and therefore he does the "loving" thing and not the "legal" thing.
How frequently do we see circumstances where the law of the land supersedes acts of love? Or when rules and policies are given more weight than people. When the poor, for example, are denied benefits because they do not meet eligibility requirements. When women are stalked and harassed by previous husbands. When someone loses a job because of corporate downsizing. When an elderly person is forced to liquidate all their assets to live in a nursing home. I am sure that everyone can think of a time when the "law" seemed unjust, unfair or even immoral.
Second, Joseph sacrificed his reputation as an outstanding citizen of his community. His devotion to Mary was more important than how his neighbors would perceive him. Rather than do what was commonplace, Joseph listened to God. He made his decision on faith, not what was customary or popular. He took a tremendous risk which required both courage and commitment.
Why? Because Joseph was assured that he had nothing to fear. He believed that God would be with him, as the angel announced. He didn’t say "No." He didn’t say "I don’t think so." He didn’t even say, "Why me?" He preceded ahead, taking Mary as his wife, and assuming the role as the father of Jesus.
Throughout the impeachment process I have been waiting for someone to step out from behind all the litigation and encourage our government to do the loving thing rather than the legal thing. Regardless of your political persuasion there must be someone who can offer the country a creative solution. It will take a great courage for that to happen, and in all likelihood that person, who could be from either party, will lose friends. But, like Joseph, their name and the role they play, no matter how seemingly insignificant, will help to bring resolve and be an example that "God is with us." Perhaps if the people of this country knew more about the faith of Joseph, they would be more willing to act in faith, not fear.
Third, Joseph leaves his homeland and flees to a foreign land. He is willing to experience great losses as he moves forward in faith. He gave up property, or at least his rights to property. He left his family and friends, even his culture. He is not even the biological father of Jesus, but assumes the role as his earthly parent-father.
Most people would say that he was foolish, giving up so much. But, Joseph was faithful and attentive to the voice of God. His contribution to "the hope of the world" was more important than his own selfish desires. Joseph was the ultimate foster father. Joseph demonstrated a faith that is unprecedented. He defied the law. He sacrificed his reputation. He left his homeland and relocated in another land.
Although none of us could possibly emulate the life of Joseph there are ways we can be faithful. On four different occasions Joseph was visited by angels. Each time he proceeded in a new and different direction. These encounters were like interruptions in the normal course of life. They made him stop and listen. They presented new and different alternatives.
We can be faithful when we embrace interruptions in our lives as opportunities rather than setbacks. This past week I had an Doctor’s appointment that was early in the morning in Dayton, about 45 miles from here. This mid-week interruption forced me to change my Wednesday routine. Normally I would be in my study. Since I had another appointment early in the afternoon in another town, there was no way for me to return to the church and use my "downtime." I had about 2 and ˝ hours. This interruption in my weekly routine ended up being an opportunity. I went to a mall, which was not crowded at that time of the day, and completed my Christmas shopping.
We can be faithful when we are attentive to the voice of God, a voice that provides avenues rather than obstacles. When we encounter an obstacle it is normal to be frustrated and hopeless. The easy way out is to quit or give up. God gives us highways that lead to new experiences and new life. We want things to be logical and practical. We want things to stay the same. God doesn’t work like that. God’s ways are always changing. God is always giving birth where there is death.
This past week the television program, "Home Improvement," had a special Christmas episode. Randy returned from Costa Rica, but every in the family ignored him. They were all busy, living their lives. Randy felt left out. It wasn’t the same home he used to know. It was if he was an outsider. Many things had changed. His youngest brother, Mark, was now taller than his older brother, Brad. His favorite restaurant had gone out of business. Even his mother had little time to talk with him like they used to do in the past. But, then there was the neighbor, Wilson. He was still on the other side of the fence, listening, and offering wisdom. Being able to go to a friend while his family ignored his presence gave Randy the assurance he was seeking.
What prevents us from experiencing life anew is fear, not faith. Fear holds us back. Fear prevents us from taking risks and taking advantage of opportunities. Fear makes us hold on to the past. Fear limits our love. We can be faithful as Joseph did, knowing that wherever God leads us we also have nothing to fear.
Dr. Keith Wagner, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio