The Risk of Mary and Joseph

It has hard to believe 2019 is almost done. Here we find ourselves at yet another Christmas. A time to remember the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.

Without a birth there can be no new life.

I have been reflecting on the reality that some 2000 years ago a young virgin named Mary and her betrothed Joseph chose to trust God. It would have been a great scandal for a young girl to be found pregnant while not married. According to the law she could be stoned to death. But God had a plan. A plan that was messy and full of risk. There would have been whispers of those trying to do the math of when Mary got pregnant. But Joseph took the risk and took Mary as his wife. Joseph guarded her. For the child she carried was the very son of God. We are blessed because they said yes.

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” – Matthew 1:22-23 (CSB)

There would be travel late in her pregnancy and giving birth among the livestock. Soon they would flee to find safety in Egypt. But Mary and Joseph said yes and took the risk and all it would entail.

Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed and a sword will pierce your own soul that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” – Luke 2:34-35 (CSB)

God loved us so much he sent his own son.

Jesus willingly came.

who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.  Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:6-11 (CSB)

Jesus had to be born because he had to die. He was born to die and to rise again. He was born so we too might find new life. Our life wrapped in his righteousness so we might once again have fellowship with the father. Without a birth there can be no new life.

I pray this Christmas you can avoid all the stress we often make of Christmas. May you find time to reflect on the love of Christ and the joy his birth represents.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas !!

Photo by Gareth Harper on Unsplash

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About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.