The Annunciation to Joseph
Upon entering the season of advent, many people unpack their Christmas decorations and begin putting out the seasonal adornments. We locate the tree, some wreaths, and maybe garland. Then, we unstring the lights and wrap them around something: curtain rod, staircase dowel, or outdoor shrubs. Finally, perhaps with a tinge of reverence, we unpack the figurines included in our nativity set. (As an aside, do you know that what ‘nativity’ means? It means “the occasion of person’s birth.” Thus, we longer need to ask a person, “Where were you born?” Now, we can ask the person, “Where was your nativity?”) We take out the figurines and thoughtfully place them around the centerpiece: Baby Jesus. So, who are the other figures in our nativity scene? Mary, of course. An angel. A collection of shepherds. Animals, preferably cute ones. Maybe even the magi (who arrived months after Jesus’ birth and certainly were not present at Jesus’ nativity – notice that appropriate use of nativity?). And who else? That’s right – Joseph. The oft-ignored earthly father of Jesus and husband to Mary.
What are some of your favorite Christmas carols? Those iconic songs will include Baby Jesus, Mary, shepherds, angels, the not-present magi, animals, a star, a manger, and even Bethlehem. Who is not included? That’s right, the oft-neglected Joseph.
Despite Joseph’s oft-neglected status, he plays a notable role in the biblical account of Jesus’ birth. Perhaps to our surprise, the story of Jesus’ birth is found in only two of the four Gospels: Matthew and Luke. The book of Matthew tells just two stories, the annunciation to Joseph (more on that later) and the magi’s arrival. All other events of Jesus’ birth are found in Luke’s account: events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist, angel’s declaration to Mary, the inn with no vacancy, a swaddled baby Jesus in a manger, and the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds.
Returning to Joseph, Matthew’s gospel explains that he learned of his betrothed’s pregnancy and responds accordingly, Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly (Matthew 1.19). Joseph realizes that Mary is with child – but not with his child. The (seemingly) scorned fiancé could have shamed Mary, but instead, he opts to quietly end their engagement – thus maintaining the dignity of the “unfaithful” Mary.
Only after making this decision does Joseph learn the truth. An angel appears to him and explains the situation, Joseph son of David, 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 give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1.20b-21). These newly revealed facts change Joseph’s perspective. His future wife, Mary, has not been unfaithful. Rather, her unborn child is conceived by the Holy Spirit, and this boy will be called “Jesus” – the one who saves. After this encounter with the angel, Joseph discards his planned quiet divorce and proceeds to wed Mary.
An important truth emerges from the annunciation to Joseph: Choosing better options precedes the revelation of God’s greater plan. Joseph could have publicly humiliated Mary, and from his limited knowledge of the matter, she deserved it. Joseph, however, chose a compassionate response. He showed respect to a fiancé who seemingly disrespected him and God. Only then does he know the truth. Only then is God’s plan revealed. Only then does Mary’s true faithfulness become known.
Let us go and do the same. When justice justifies the harming of another, consider choosing a compassionate response. When doing so, we might find the revelation of God’s plan. And when doing so, we certainly mimic the saving work of Jesus Christ – the forgiveness of our sins.
