General Superintendent
Max Edwards
December 10, 2024
Mary and Joseph Were Willing
“Merry Christmas.” Interesting that with some folks, a simple greeting expressing joy and well-wishes can be accompanied by so much controversy.
Someone sent me this amusing, politically correct mock greeting: “Please accept with no obligation implied, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, non-addictive, and gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.”
That is silly, but as I noted last week, it is true that the real meaning of Christmas has an enemy.
But in some ways, it might be that increasing religious persecution may do us a favor . Let me explain: Martin Luther once said, “If the devil were wise [he would] stand by in silence and let the Gospel be preached, he would suffer less harm. For when there is no battle for the Gospel it rusts and it finds … no occasion to show its vigor and power. Therefore, nothing better can befall the Gospel than that the world should fight it with force and cunning.”
So maybe it isn’t all bad that contending for the real meaning of Christmas is our growing condition.
Last week, the focus was on Jesus, who set the prime example of willingness. He was willing to come to earth as our Savior. But the manger scene has other characters that we take inspiration from too, regarding their selfless willingness. Mary and Joseph each acted with incredible faith!
I find their simple willingness both amazing and inspiring. Life was not easy for them. Others did not understand … even they did not fully understand. How could they? But Mary’s willingness changed her life forever. She suffered shame and ridicule, even risking being rejected by Joseph. But within a few months, Mary could feel the stirring baby within her, knowing she was yet a virgin. But the something she knew did not change how everyone thought of her. She had to stand on her faith amid a storm of doubt.
Maybe it is because I’m a man, but I think that Joseph’s willingness might fascinate me even more. He did not know for certain what Mary knew. I’m sure that by the time shepherds, Simeon and Anna, and the wise men all told their stories, any doubts were quenched, but I can only wonder what those later pregnancy days were like for him. He had to stand on his faith amid a storm of doubt.
Thank you, Joseph and Mary. Your willingness gives me the courage to stand even when storms of doubt come my way.