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Matthew 1:18-25 What are you afraid of? When I was about five years old, I woke up in the middle of the night terrified because there was a long-tailed monkey sitting on the ironing board in my room. After I screamed and my mother came in and turned on the lights - it turned out to be the iron. What about you? Do snakes frighten you? Maybe the sight of a scorpion scampering across your floor makes your hair stand on end. Or, perhaps heights make your heart pound and your adrenaline flow. Of course, we can be afraid of a lot of things that might happen to us. We might be fearful about having enough money. Or, we might be afraid of losing our health. Sometimes we become frightened about the possibility of losing someone close to us. As we read the Christmas story, it's striking to see how many times the angels send a calming message. Their words, over and over, tell us not to be afraid. In fact, throughout scripture, the message of angels is often one that tells us not to be afraid. In today's gospel lesson, we read about a man who was afraid when he learned that his fiancée was about to have a baby. Now, we like to think that news about a little one on the way will lead to rejoicing and happiness. But the truth is, even in the best of circumstances, it can catch us off guard. Do you remember the classic film Did you see how George reacted to the news that he was about to become a father? He stammered, he couldn't find the right words to say...he was stunned. Sometimes the news of a pregnancy brings real fear. It may not be the right time. The parents might not have enough money. The relationship may not be strong enough to nurture a child. A pregnancy might bring about judgment, or shame. When Joseph found out that Mary was about to have a child, he was truly afraid. During the Advent season, we often focus on the story of Mary. Too little attention has been given to Joseph in the Christmas story. This morning, let's turn our attention to Joseph. In those times, under Jewish law, an engagement was a binding contract. An engagement, or betrothal, could only be ended if the man gave the woman a writ of divorce. An engaged woman was considered a widow if her fiancé died. Even though engagement was serious business in those days, it was distinct from being married. Marriage didn't take place until the bridegroom took the bride to his house and the relationship was consummated. How does Joseph react to this startling news that Mary is about to become a mother? He knows that he can't be the father. He realizes that both of them may be subjected to judgment and shame for her pregnancy. What can we learn from Joseph's reaction to this fearful situation? First, we notice something about Joseph's character.
Scripture tells us that Joseph was a just man. What does that mean? Well, I think that it means that he lived his life with sympathy and kindness. And that shows in his initial reaction to this situation. Under Hebrew law, Joseph had two options. We should recognize that the religious laws of the day were prejudiced in favor of the man in almost all cases. This unfair system put Joseph in a position to bring embarrassment and shame to Mary. First, he could expose Mary by bringing her before the religious court. If he had chosen this option, she would have been the object of scorn and judgment. There are a lot of reasons that Joseph might have chosen that option. He might have reacted in disbelief of her story. He could have been jealous. He could look for a way to get even. But he knew that he couldn't do that. The gospel says, "because he was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly." So, he had made up his mind. He would act in kindness and compassion, but he couldn't continue the relationship. He would give her a writ of divorce and be done with it. Is that how we react to fearful situations in our lives? When you're faced with a potentially embarrassing or hurtful problem, do you react with kindness and compassion? Or, do you lash out with anger and defensiveness? Joseph teaches us that a truly just person is someone who can act in the best interests of all involved. At a party last night I heard the story of a landlord who had rented a house to a young family. As they were moving into the house, a Tucson gang gathered around and began making threatening comments. The family was of a different race and the gang objected to them being in the neighborhood. Now, this landlord could have reacted to this fearful situation by being intimidated by the gang. But instead, she stood up to them. She showed compassion for the young family and let the gang members know that the new renters were a welcome part of the neighborhood. So, Joseph's story reminds us that the best response to fear is one of compassion and kindness. What else does this passage have to teach us today?
Joseph reached his decision to divorce Mary before he had an encounter with the voice of God. It was a decision based on character, but it was a decision that discounted Mary's story. He didn't trust her and he made plans to separate from her. Then an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. Not only was Joseph a just person, one who desired the best for all involved, but he was open to hearing the voice of God in his life. He was open to divine visitation - and quick to respond to the call of God. What does the angel have to say? "Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." There's that message again. Don't be afraid. Be open to the possibilities of God. Learn to react in new ways. The angel tells Joseph that the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit, a phrase that suggests the all-creative power of God. In the Hebrew scriptures, there are many accounts of births that took place by divine intervention. But this is the first time in the Bible that the father of the child is God. What was Joseph to think? How would you react to this kind of news? It might seem impossible, unlikely, implausible. Joseph might feel like a fool if he were to buy this story. But, Joseph was open to the creative power of God. He found the strength to believe that something entirely new was about to happen in his life, and in the life of the world. And his mind began to change. Mary's pregnancy ceased to be fearful. Instead, it became the possibility for a world-transforming event. Joseph's openness to God's creation is an important example for us today. How many times have we been unwilling to accept new opportunities in our lives because they're different? How many times have we ended relationships because they required us to stretch in new ways? How many times have we stymied God's goodness in our lives because we're afraid to look foolish? Almost three years ago I got a call inviting me to apply for the executive director position at Primavera Builders. I almost didn't apply. In fact, I waited until the last day possible to send in my resume. Why? I was in a good job that paid me a lot of money. I had an excellent benefits package. I enjoyed job security. If I got the job at Primavera, I'd have to take a pay cut, give up benefits, face the uncertainty of whether I could actually do the job. Now, I can't imagine not making that career change. My work at Primavera is satisfying, fulfilling and exactly where I need to be right now. I love it. And I almost missed it because I doubted the creative power of God at work in my life. So, Joseph reminds us to live our lives with compassion and an openness to God's creativity. What else might we remember this morning?
Up to now, the things that Joseph has done are fairly passive. He reacted to the news of Mary's pregnancy with kindness and compassion. He was open to receive a message about God's creativity. But without acting on these understandings, the Christmas story wouldn't be the same. When Joseph woke up, he followed the guidance of the angel. He took Mary home with him as his wife. This humble carpenter was about to begin an interesting parenting experience. He, along with Mary, would raise the Son of God. One of the most exciting aspects of the Christmas story is the fact that we are co-creators, with God, of a transformed world. Think about all of the human characters who played a part in the ministry of Jesus. Mary accepted this unexpected pregnancy with devotion and faith. Joseph overcame his fear and uncertainty to embrace Mary as his wife. Shepherds and wise men heard the message and witnessed the birth of a child who would turn the world upside down. The Christmas story reminds us that God works in partnership with us to bring about healing, peace, prosperity, reconciliation, and joy in our world. That's right - we're in a partnership with God to bring about the new kingdom that Jesus taught about. Too often we come to church with the expectation that God should do something for us. We look to God to watch over us, take care of us, and provide the things that we need in our lives. There's no doubt that God showers us with all kinds of blessings, but we sometimes take on a passive attitude. "God, this is what I want. And the sooner you give it to me, the better!" The truth of the matter is that God lives within each of us. Jesus spoke very clearly about the Holy Spirit that has come to empower each of us. So, we're responsible for rolling up our sleeves and helping God to create the loving world we all crave. Joseph did it. He accompanied Mary to the manger. He helped with the birth. He was there for the dirty diapers and the late night feedings. He was there when Jesus needed to go to the temple as a young boy to sit with the teachers. Joseph played an important role in helping to create a path for the good news of God. On Friday afternoon, Primavera hosted a memorial service for the homeless people of Tucson who have died during the past year. In 2001, 55 homeless people perished on Tucson's street. Standing in Pauper's Field among the graves, about 100 people read scripture, sang, and prayed for an end to homelessness. When I spoke at the service, I issued a call to action. It's one thing to pray for justice for the poor. But we also need to put some feet to our prayers. Whether it's calling our city council members to put an end to the harassment of the homeless, or working on legislation to create meaningful job training programs, there are plenty of things we can do to co-create the kingdom of God.
Many years ago I was helping to cast a Christmas play. When we came to the part of Joseph, one of the Sunday School teachers said, "That's an easy role. Anybody can do it. All he has to do is stand there. Mary and the other characters do all the work!" For too long, that's the image of Joseph that we've held. Today, let's look carefully at Joseph's commitment to kindness, his openness to God's creativity, and the work he did to play a part in God's new creation. May God give us the courage and strength to respond to fearful situations in the same way.
Amen.
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