HOPE OF ALL THE EARTH
Through the Holy Spirit
December 8, 2025
SCRIPTURE
MATTHEW 1:18
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
MATTHEW 1:18
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
The Christian band Casting Crowns has a song named "Dream for You." The second verse imagines God speaking to Mary: "Hey Mary, I've heard you've been dreaming, making plans for your big wedding day, but I've been thinking . . ."
Before they were visited by their angelic messengers, it's hard to imagine that either Mary or Joseph could have expected what God had in store for them. How could they have dreamed of the part they would play in salvation history, the contribution they would make to God's redemption story? Up until this point, their dreams must have been very similar to those of their peers and neighbours—an honest living, a Loving family, as long and peaceful a life as they could manage together.
Then they received this commission from God to be parents of Messiah, mother and father to the One who would change everything. In an instant, their hopes and dreams for the life ahead of them changed dramatically. Many of us would resist or resent a call that required us to make so many sacrifices, to implement such dramatic changes to our lives. Within the next few years, Mary and Joseph relocated to Bethlehem, then fled to a new country as refugees, only to finally return to Nazareth once it was safe again.
Their quiet, peaceful life was rudely and dramatically interrupted. Yet we're given no clue in Scripture as to any resentment or bitterness on either of their parts. In fact, almost every time Joseph is mentioned in the book of Matthew, it is in the context of swift obedience.
The interruption of their peace was a light and momentary thing when weighed against the privilege of being such a major part of God's story. Their part wasn't always easy. In fact, not long after the birth, Mary was promised, "A sword will pierce your own soul too" (Luke 2:35).
Their role in salvation history brought challenges and trials, pain and tears. But there is no hint that they ever regretted their choice. In fact, Mary was such a part of the story that she even stood at the foot of the cross, watching her beloved son die.
Following Christ along the way will often mean allowing our version of peace to be interrupted. It will often mean our plans being disrupted, our agenda being rewritten, even overruled. But Mary and Joseph are part of that great cloud of witnesses assuring us that it's always, always worth it. They would promise us that any sacrifice on our part is far outweighed by the infinite richness of following Jesus. They would encourage us that any peace we allow to be interrupted will be repaid ten thousand times over, and more besides.
Don't resist God's interruptions. Welcome them, embrace them, and allow him to take you further than you've ever imagined possible.
Before they were visited by their angelic messengers, it's hard to imagine that either Mary or Joseph could have expected what God had in store for them. How could they have dreamed of the part they would play in salvation history, the contribution they would make to God's redemption story? Up until this point, their dreams must have been very similar to those of their peers and neighbours—an honest living, a Loving family, as long and peaceful a life as they could manage together.
Then they received this commission from God to be parents of Messiah, mother and father to the One who would change everything. In an instant, their hopes and dreams for the life ahead of them changed dramatically. Many of us would resist or resent a call that required us to make so many sacrifices, to implement such dramatic changes to our lives. Within the next few years, Mary and Joseph relocated to Bethlehem, then fled to a new country as refugees, only to finally return to Nazareth once it was safe again.
Their quiet, peaceful life was rudely and dramatically interrupted. Yet we're given no clue in Scripture as to any resentment or bitterness on either of their parts. In fact, almost every time Joseph is mentioned in the book of Matthew, it is in the context of swift obedience.
The interruption of their peace was a light and momentary thing when weighed against the privilege of being such a major part of God's story. Their part wasn't always easy. In fact, not long after the birth, Mary was promised, "A sword will pierce your own soul too" (Luke 2:35).
Their role in salvation history brought challenges and trials, pain and tears. But there is no hint that they ever regretted their choice. In fact, Mary was such a part of the story that she even stood at the foot of the cross, watching her beloved son die.
Following Christ along the way will often mean allowing our version of peace to be interrupted. It will often mean our plans being disrupted, our agenda being rewritten, even overruled. But Mary and Joseph are part of that great cloud of witnesses assuring us that it's always, always worth it. They would promise us that any sacrifice on our part is far outweighed by the infinite richness of following Jesus. They would encourage us that any peace we allow to be interrupted will be repaid ten thousand times over, and more besides.
Don't resist God's interruptions. Welcome them, embrace them, and allow him to take you further than you've ever imagined possible.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION OR DISCUSSION
What do interrupted/readjusted plans mean to you? Are they upsetting and stressful, or do they not bother you much?
If you are the type of person who finds interruptions and changes to plans to be deeply stress-inducing, how might you be able to invite peace into the process next time it happens?
Why do you think God interrupts our plans sometimes?
What do interrupted/readjusted plans mean to you? Are they upsetting and stressful, or do they not bother you much?
If you are the type of person who finds interruptions and changes to plans to be deeply stress-inducing, how might you be able to invite peace into the process next time it happens?
Why do you think God interrupts our plans sometimes?
PRAYER
Write a prayer committing yourself to lean into the next interruption God brings into your life. (Careful--God has a habit of answering these kinds of prayers very quickly!)
Write a prayer committing yourself to lean into the next interruption God brings into your life. (Careful--God has a habit of answering these kinds of prayers very quickly!)