Scripture: ‘Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.’ (Matthew 1.18)Reflection:Mary, Jesus’ mother, plays a central part in the Christmas story, but what about her silent partner, Joseph? Imagine for a moment that your future partner is pregnant, the baby is not yours, and the child will save the world- all according to an angel who appears in a dream! This, the angel says, is God’s plan - go with it. And Joseph did - he stood by Mary, loved and supported her despite probable disgust and ridicule from those who knew him, quietly and patiently trusting God. Imagine what our lives would be like with that kind of trust. Imagine what the world would look like with that kind of love. God’s plans don’t always make sense, but they are always good and trustworthy - the first Christmas is our proof.Vicki Young
Scripture: Simeon said to Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ (Luke 2.34-35) Reflection:Mary, the mother of Jesus, is of course at the very heart of the Christmas story. Giving birth (away from home) was as risky a business as for any young mother, and the stakes had been raised even higher by the expectations that this was to be a child especially gifted by God. When she took her 8 day-old baby into the Temple, she was confronted by the aged Simeon, who’d come ‘led by the Spirit’. Seeing the baby, he saw a miracle – a baby who would challenge the status quo and expose our ‘inner thoughts’. Jesus was indeed a very special gift, but living out his message of God’s love was very costly for him, and for his mother. Thanks be to God. David Harmsworth
