(This is the third in a three scene story)
SCENE THREE
“Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid.”
The voice had come from nowhere, as a bolt of lightning on a clear dark night.
“Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.”
Joseph: (rubbing his eyes) Afraid? I’m not afraid. I’m upset. I feel like a fool. I’ve been the faithful one, looking forward to our wedding night and our life together and here she winds up pregnant with someone else’s child. I’m not afraid. I’m angry.
“The child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Joseph sat up and opened his eyes. He lay there in the darkness, letting this dream sink in. Was it possible? Had Mary been telling the truth? Could it be that God had chosen her for this special purpose— to give birth to a son who would save people from sin?
Joseph suddenly remembered a line from the prophet Isaiah, he had learned as a child -
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and they shall name him Emmanuel.”
Mary— sweet, innocent Mary with a face like an angel and eyes shining like stars. Of course. Isaiah spoke of Mary! Joseph jumped up, threw on his robe as he passed through the tent, talking to himself as he ran through the night.
“I won’t dismiss her quietly. I won’t break off our engagement. Who cares what people think! It doesn’t matter. I will marry her. With God’s help, I will raise the child. God will take care of us. Praise God. My God, who sent an angel to me to keep me from making the biggest mistake of my life and losing the woman I love. Praise God. I’m going to stay with Mary!”
A rooster crowed as Joseph arrived at Mary’s family tent. It was dawn. Mary could see from the look on Joseph’s face that an angel of the Lord had visited him, too. She smiled, knowing that good news comes when you need it most, good news like a dream that lights up the darkness of reality.
The good news of a child, born of a virgin, a poor, pregnant, unwed teenager, sent to save people from sin. The good news of a man willing to face public ridicule to help her raise this special child. The good news that heaven has come to earth in the birth of a child.
This is the child. And boy, what child is this!
thans again pistol. I’ve enjoyed being made to think anew about the story this advent.
Wow … you know, some stories only get better with the retelling …