Christmas is a miracle, a moment when God became flesh, but it is also a narrative full of human elements that go beyond processes, feelings, emotions, and decisions. Think of a new family beginning its journey accompanied by angelic messages, unexpected visits, foreigners more devout than the natives, and the shadow of persecution.
Mark Lowry, an American songwriter and singer, created a song titled “Mary, Did You Know?” This song is a true masterpiece of composition. Among its many impactful lines, one stands out: “Mary, did you know that when you kiss your baby’s face, you are kissing the face of God?”
This statement, present in Lowry’s song, richly and completely illustrates the two sides of Christmas: God became man, without ignoring the stages of life of an ordinary human being, but always intertwined with divine events established by God.
Jesus was conceived (a human process), but by the Holy Spirit (a divine process). Joseph made a human choice when he decided to marry Mary (a human process), but this occurred after receiving the revelation of the miracle of the virgin conception through an angel.
Joseph and Mary gave their children names (a human process), but those names were chosen by God, revealing the Lord’s plan for that newborn.
José é uma figura inspiradora nesta narrativa. Reflita sobre suas ações. Sua noiva aparece grávida, e ele não age de forma precipitada; ao contrário, avalia a situação legal da época e reflete sobre como conduzir um processo justo. Nesse momento, o anjo se dirige a ele e José obedece.
Joseph did not let himself be carried away by haste, even in times of uncertainty. He followed the angel’s instructions as soon as he awoke from his sleep. In the following steps, Joseph remained thoughtful, courageous, and obedient! He fled to Egypt and supported his family there for two years until the time came to return.
What an inspiration Joseph is to us all! In his role, he was thoughtful, courageous, and obedient. This Christmas, what challenges are you facing? Do you feel pressured and have difficult decisions to make? Reflect, avoid rushing, meditate, and study God’s Word.
Remember that we are talking about Christmas; reflect on its teachings and take concrete steps toward obedience. Ask God for boldness and courage to reject what is wrong, as well as to affirm what is right and should be done, that which pleases God.
May Joseph, as you recall Christmas, inspire you to trust in the Lord and, at the same time, to live life’s most human moments with dedication.
