The Emotions of Mary and Joseph

A few years ago, my husband and I were in Branson, MO, where we saw an excellent performance of The Miracle of Christmas at the Sight & Sound Theatre. I was impressed by how they displayed the emotions of Mary and Joseph when faced with the announcements of Gabriel.

While the Jewish nation was waiting for God to free them from living in Roman bondage, God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Mary, “You are highly favored! The Lord is with you . . . You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus…” Since she was a virgin, Mary was greatly troubled and questioned the angel. Gabriel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. . . For nothing is impossible with God.” Mary recognized God’s voice and answered, “I am your servant, and may it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. 

Joseph, Mary’s fiancée, was troubled when he learned Mary was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. He did not want to expose her to public disgrace, so he had in mind to divorce her quietly. However, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins (bondage).” When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel commanded him and took Mary home as his wife but had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named the son Jesus.   

Even though Mary and Joseph questioned the angel, they recognized the voice of God and submitted to his agenda, not knowing what it would mean for them and their people at the time.

Pray your grandchildren will live so close to God that when He speaks to them, they will recognize his voice, listen to Him, follow Him in obedience, and trust Him, as Mary and Joseph did. They were greatly troubled; however, they recognized the voice of God that the angel Gabriel delivered, and they obeyed. Mary had the honor of giving birth to Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling what the Lord had said through the prophet Isaiah.

May God bless you and your family richly as you prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

By Lillian Penner, Co Prayer Director forChristian Grandparenting Network lpenner@christiangrandparenting, net