Joseph’s Extraordinary Moment
Advent is a season like no other. Amidst the bustling preparations for Christmas, it calls us to slow down, pause, and reflect. Advent, meaning “arrival,” is a time of waiting—anticipating Jesus’ birth and His eventual return. For Christ-followers, it’s an opportunity to examine our roles in God’s grand story. This reflection is not just about looking back on the longing for the Messiah but also about aligning ourselves with God’s purposes in the here and now.
One figure from the Advent story offers us a profound lesson in surrendering to God’s will: Joseph. Often overshadowed by Mary’s pivotal role, Joseph’s quiet obedience is a masterclass in faith and trust. Let’s explore five key takeaways from his story and what they mean for us today.
1. Advent Is a Time to Pause and Reflect
While the world rushes toward Christmas, Advent invites us to wait. It’s a season to step back and consider how our lives fit into God’s great narrative. Joseph’s story begins in a moment of disruption—his plans for a simple, godly life with Mary are turned upside down. Yet, this disruption invites him to take part in something far greater.
As we prepare for Christmas, we too can use this season to ask: Where is God calling me to pause? How is He inviting me to step into His story?
2. Obedience Often Requires Risk
Joseph’s response to Mary’s unexpected pregnancy reveals his character. Instead of reacting in anger or self-preservation, he seeks a quiet divorce to spare her shame. But then, God speaks to him in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife.
Joseph chooses obedience at the risk of his reputation and personal plans. He could have dismissed the dream as wishful thinking, but he trusted God’s word and acted on it. How often do we hesitate when God calls us to take risks for His purposes?
3. Obedience Transforms Our Relationship with God
Through his obedience, Joseph moves from knowing about God to truly knowing Him. By choosing to trust God’s plan, Joseph becomes part of a miraculous story. He witnesses angels, shepherds, and wise men celebrate the child he has adopted.
When we surrender to God’s interruptions, we open ourselves to deeper intimacy with Him. Like Joseph, we come to know God not just as a cosmic Creator but as a loving Father who cares about the details of our lives.
4. God’s Interruptions Lead to Greater Purposes
Joseph’s good plans for his life—marrying Mary, raising a family—are interrupted by God’s greater plan. In stepping aside from his own agenda, Joseph becomes part of a story that changes the world.
This reminds us that while our plans are often good, they’re limited by our perspective. God, who sees the whole picture, lovingly disrupts our lives to align them with His eternal purposes. What dreams might we need to surrender to make room for God’s vision?
5. Will We Let Jesus Interrupt Our Plans?
Joseph’s story challenges us to ask a hard question: Are we willing to let Jesus interrupt our plans? Trusting God can be uncomfortable, especially when His ways don’t align with our expectations. But when we say “yes” to His call, we experience Him in ways that bring deeper joy and purpose.
This Advent, let’s invite God to redirect our paths. Let’s listen for His voice, whether through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, or life’s unexpected turns. Like Joseph, may we find the courage to embrace divine interruptions, knowing they lead to blessings far beyond our imagination.
Prayer for Advent:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Joseph, who trusted You even when his plans fell apart. Help us to pause this Advent and open our hearts to Your purposes. May we embrace Your interruptions, trusting that they lead to greater joy and deeper intimacy with You. Amen.