Christmas: God’s Eternal Disruption
“But when Joseph thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins. ...Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:20-21,24-25)
Joseph’s Upended Plan
Joseph had his plan. He would marry Mary soon. He didn’t have an exact date, but he was working on it. He had a respectable trade and was looking forward to getting married, settling down and raising a family like every other young respectable Jewish man of his time. Then Mary dropped the bomb! Three months pregnant (Lk.1:56) and a fantastic story without the slightest show of guilt! So much for being respectable! He was afraid and didn’t know what to do. Had sin altered the course of his plans? Why, God? He would quietly put Mary away.
God’s Bigger, Better Plan
Then the Angel spoke. Sin had changed everything! Not Mary’s sin but your and my sin. Why? God disrupted Joseph’s plan because He had a bigger plan to save us from our sin!
In this life sin will totally disrupt our lives; count on it! However, the heavenly remedy for sin gives hope when our plans are derailed by sin. Joseph's life was not to be about his accomplishments, but God’s. God was going to save His people from their sin. That was God’s Plan then and that is God’s Plan today.
Remember that every objective that you have for your family is secondary to God’s primary objective to save you and your family from your sin. You are not striving to see how little your children will sin. No! Rather, you must relish the reality and wonder that you can be saved from your sin. Mankind’s need to be saved is the guiding purpose for living our earthly life. All other objects of interest, desire and concern are secondary venues through which we may be delivered, or saved from our sin. To quote Jesus, you are “kicking a beehive” if you have any other objective before your family’s salvation. (Acts 9:5)
A Season for the Work of Redemption
Take some time during this Christmas season to relax and review the wonderful work of redemption that is going on at your house. Shortcomings, irritations, and failures along with gifts, talents, opportunities and personal circumstances all create the framework in which God has called you to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phl.2:12). Each need is an opportunity to call upon the Name of the Lord; and that is how you can be saved in every circumstance, from your sin.