The season of Christmas is here again—a time we’ve eagerly awaited to celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ! The lights, the laughter, the joy of togetherness—it’s all a beautiful reminder of the love and hope this season brings. But let me ask you: how many Christmases have you celebrated so far? How were they? Do you feel the same excitement now as you did before? And here’s the most important question: has the Christ Child been born in your heart, or are you still waiting for that special moment? Some people say, “I just can’t feel the joy of Christmas anymore. The magic is gone, and it doesn’t excite me like it used to.” Maybe you’ve felt the same at some point. But let’s not allow the busyness of life or the hardships of the past to dim the true meaning of Christmas. What makes this season special for you? Is it the warm hugs of family reunions, the thrill of giving, or the peace of a year coming to a close? Whatever it is, let’s go deeper this Christmas. The real question isn’t just about the lights or the gifts. It’s about our hearts. Are we ready to meet our Lord Jesus Christ this Christmas? Let us open our hearts wide and warmly invite Him in. Today, as we celebrate the miracle of Christmas, let us reflect on the faithful roles of Mary and Joseph and their humble responses to the birth of Jesus Christ. May this Christmas be the one where the Christ Child is born in our hearts, filling your life with a divine glow of love, joy, and peace that surpasses all.
Jewish Marital Tradition
Firstly, let us explore the customs surrounding Jewish matrimonial practices. In Jewish matrimonial customs, marriages were typically arranged by the parents through negotiated contracts. Once agreed upon, the couple was considered legally married, but they did not immediately live together. The bride stayed with her parents, and the groom remained with his family for about a year, during which the bride’s purity was confirmed. If the bride was found pregnant during this period, it would indicate unfaithfulness, invalidating the marriage. If her purity was confirmed, the groom would take her in a grand procession to his home, where they would begin their life together. The conception of Mary’s child took place at this moment in time, fulfilling God’s divine plan. (John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck)
The Virgin Mary’s Role and Her Divine Response
In Luke 1:26-38, we are presented with the angel Gabriel’s visitation to Mary and her thoughtful, humble response to the divine message. In verse 30, we learn that Mary found favor with God. But what does that truly mean, and why did it happen? Mary may not have been the most beautiful or popular girl in her town, nor the most esteemed, especially when compared to the wealth and status of royalty. Yet, God saw something in her that others may have overlooked. What set Mary apart was not her outward appearance, but the purity and devotion of her heart. She was a virgin who lived in reverence of God, resisted the fleeting temptations of youth, and wholly dedicated herself to His will. While the world often values external qualities, God looks deeper, as 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us: “For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the heart.” Mary’s favor with God was a result of her inner devotion, her steadfast faith, and her commitment to living a life that honored Him. This challenges us to reflect on what truly matters in God’s eyes: not status, beauty, or popularity, but a heart aligned with His will.
In verse 38, Mary’s response, “I am the Lord’s servant,” she answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled,” captures the heart of Christmas: humbleness, obedience and faith. In this moment, Mary’s acceptance of God’s will opened the door to the most extraordinary event in history - the birth of Jesus Christ. Her response stands in sharp contrast to Jonah, who ran from God’s call in fear and resistance. At a time when obedience seemed incredibly difficult, Mary trusted in the God she worshiped, believing that her surrender to His plan would lead to a purpose far greater than she could imagine. As we celebrate Christmas, Mary’s divine response invites us to reflect on our own response to God’s call. In the midst of the season’s busyness, it’s easy to hesitate or delay, but like Mary, we are called to embrace God’s will with faith and trust. Her example shows us that, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or challenging, choosing obedience to God’s plan opens the way for His greatest gifts to be revealed in our lives. May we, too, find the courage to respond with a willing heart, knowing that, like Mary, our obedience will never lead to regret but will fulfill God’s beautiful purpose.
In verse 29, when the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, she was initially filled with wonder and contemplation, pondering the angel’s message. Yet, after agreeing to God’s plan, Mary chose not to seek explanations from Joseph or her family but entrusted this delicate matter entirely to God. In doing so, she prioritized her faith in God above all else, placing her full trust in Him, even in the face of an impossible situation - conceiving as a virgin without a father. Mary did not seek validation or justification from others, including the leaders, but placed everything in God’s hands, demonstrating her unwavering belief that God could do the unimaginable. This Christmas, we are reminded that, in times of uncertainty, like Mary, we should rely fully on God, trusting His plan, rather than seeking reassurance from those around us.
Joseph's Humble Role and Heartfelt Response
In Matthew 1:18-25, we see the story begin with Mary found to be with the child of the Holy Spirit. Considering Joseph’s perspective, we can sense the deep turmoil and heartache he must have felt, suspecting someone he cherished of such an unthinkable act. Yet, this moment reminds us how human judgment can falter, even toward those we hold in high regard. Joseph’s struggle reveals a heart torn between doubt and love, setting the stage for the miraculous assurance of God’s plan- a plan that would bring hope and salvation to the world through the birth of Christ.
In verse 19, we see the tenderness of Joseph’s heart. Though he was faithful to the law, he chose not to bring public shame upon Mary. Instead, he resolved to divorce her quietly, showing a deep sense of compassion and mercy. This spirit stands in stark contrast to that of Judah, who, in a similar situation, swiftly condemned with the harsh sentence, “Bring her forth and let her be burned!” (Genesis 38:24). According to the law, a betrothed virgin who committed such an offense could indeed face death by stoning (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). Yet, Joseph, in his quiet wisdom, chose a path of grace, embodying the true meaning of Christmas- where mercy triumphs over judgment. Joseph’s actions remind us of the beauty of thoughtful reflection, especially in difficult times. He may have initially struggled to understand the situation, perhaps even seeing it as sinful, but his heart was inclined toward kindness. Proverbs 14:16 (KJV) says, “A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil,” and Joseph’s decision is a perfect example of this wisdom, guided by his deep love for God’s law. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the perfect balance between justice and mercy that Joseph displayed, and how, like him, we too can seek to reflect God’s love in our actions, meditating on His word day and night (Psalm 1:2).
In verses 20 and 21, we see that while Joseph was contemplating how to handle the situation, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, relieving him of his confusion. Joseph was unsure of how to proceed, but God, in His grace, provided him with clear guidance. This teaches us that those who seek direction from God must first reflect deeply on their circumstances and trust their own understanding, rather than turning to other close ones. Like Mary, who sought God’s will, Joseph also turned to God for guidance. It is not the impulsive, but the thoughtful, who receive God’s direction. When Joseph reached the limits of his own reasoning, God intervened with divine counsel. God’s instructions often come when we are at a standstill, unsure of our next step. In our moments of quiet reflection, we are most attuned to receiving God’s will, just as the Spirit moves upon still waters.
In verse 22 and 23, we observe the fulfillment of that prophecy, this passage reveals that the events surrounding Christ’s birth were direct fulfillment of God’s promise spoken through the prophet Isaiah’s: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.” This prophecy, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, confirms Him as the long-awaited Messiah, the one foretold by all the prophets in the Old Testament. The scripture referenced, Isaiah 7:10-14, speaks of a sign given by God to King Ahaz during a time of great political crisis (circa 735-715 BCE). At that time, King Ahaz of Judah faced the threat of an alliance between Israel (Ephraim) and Syria (Aram) seeking to invade his kingdom. Rather than trusting in God, Ahaz considered seeking military support from Assyria, the dominant superpower. To counter this wavering faith, God sent the prophet Isaiah to reassure Ahaz to rely on divine protection instead of foreign alliances. As a sign of God’s faithfulness, Isaiah prophesied that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son named Immanuel, meaning “God with us.”
This prophecy carried a dual significance. In its immediate context, it was a message of hope for Judah, ensuring that God would not abandon His people despite their trials. In its ultimate fulfillment, it pointed to the coming of Jesus Christ, the incarnate God who would dwell among humanity as a tangible expression of God’s presence and love. In the Old Testament, God’s presence among His people was symbolized by the tabernacle, a temporary dwelling place (Exodus 25:8-9; Exodus 29:45-46). However, the promise of Immanuel signified a deeper reality: the incarnation of God in human form, living permanently among and within His people. This promise reached its fulfillment in Jesus, who not only came to dwell with us but, through the Holy Spirit, lives within us (John 1:24; John 14:16-17). This reveals the profound truth of God’s faithfulness and His eternal desire to be with His people.
In verses 24 and 25, Joseph’s actions reveal his deep faith and unwavering trust in God. The moment he woke up, he didn’t hesitate or question; he did exactly what the angel of the Lord had commanded. He took Mary home as his wife, fully accepting the responsibility and honor of caring for her and the child she carried. Yet, he remained respectful of the divine plan, refraining from consummating their marriage until she gave birth to the promised son. And when the child was born, Joseph named Him Jesus, just as he was instructed.
In conclusion, as we reflect on the lives of Mary and Joseph beautifully reflect the essence of Christmas - a season of faith, trust, and surrender to God. Despite the challenges and uncertainties they faced, they prioritized God above all else. Without consulting one another, their families, or anyone else, they trusted God’s plan completely. Even though they shared an intimate relationship, they put God first, surrendering everything into His hands, believing that He, as the Lawgiver, was greater than any law or human understanding.
Their faith and obedience became the foundation for the fulfillment of prophecy- the birth of Immanuel, “God with us,” Christ the Savior. How inspiring it is to think like Mary and Joseph, to live a life of holiness, and to trust in God’s will even during trials. Instead of seeking human solutions, they turned to God, and their unwavering faith brought forth the greatest gift to humanity - Jesus Christ, who dwells among us and within us.
This Christmas, let their example remind us to put God first in all things, to trust Him with our lives, and to delight in His Word, meditating on it day and night. Just as their faith led to the birth of Christ, our faith and obedience can invite His presence into our hearts and lives. Let us celebrate this season by honoring their legacy, embracing holiness, and rejoicing in the Savior who brings light, love, and hope to the world.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas filled with faith, hope, and joy!