Overwhelmed! Yet Faithful.

Joseph & Mary as Witnesses

 

By Will Witherington

Posted: Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

 

 

For years I have wanted to write down some of the devotional thoughts I have during the Christmas season.  My thoughts usually revolve around two ideas: First that the Incarnation was an "invasion" - heaven was invading earth; Second, there were witnesses that had various points of view regarding the Incarnation.  These short devotionals each day will look at the witnesses to this invasion – God, the angels, Mary/Joseph, the shepherds, the animals/stars, the wise men, me.

 

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“We’re going to have a baby!”

 

This phrase, having heard it four times myself, brings a buffet of emotions to new parents.  There is the initial shock that then gives way to fear that then becomes the growing anticipation to welcome into the world this new life.  Questions of adequacy, capability, affordability and sheer protection rise in the hearts and minds of parents as they consider their role in raising this new child.  Most people hear the aforementioned phrase by way of an over the counter “test” or doctors counsel.  Consider today how Joseph and Mary responded to this news that they were “going to have a baby!”

 

Joseph and Mary both learned the great news from a very unlikely source: warrior-messengers and angels. 

 

Mary first learns of the cosmic plan from the angel Gabriel who “stands in the presence of God” and has come to tell her how this child will be born.  “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”(Luke 1:35)  The angel has also come to tell her what this child will be like.  “He will be great. He will be given the throne of his father David. He will reign forever.” (Luke 1:32-33)

 

How would she respond to such an announcement?

 

Joseph gets the news directly from Mary.  As he is contemplating ending the whole relationship with Mary, who he deemed unfaithful, an angel of the Lord appears to him as well.  The angel says, contrary to his thinking, Mary has found favor with God and is pregnant with a baby brought to her from God!  The angel tells Joseph exactly what he is to do and even gives him the baby’s name! 

 

How would Joseph respond to this revelation?

 

The Scriptures tell us simply of Mary and Joseph’s response.  Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke1:38).  Joseph woke from his sleep and “did as the angel commanded him” (Matt 1:24). 

 

I am struck by the simple faithfulness of these new parents who received an overwhelming revelation – they would be the parents to God on earth!