MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We had a wonderful Christmas day. It started this morning with a 6 AM webchat with Sarah-Grace. That was a bit touch and go at first as we could not see them and they could not hear us! But it all worked out and we got to watch our little daughter in Taiwan open her Christmas stocking. She was so happy!

Kai-Wei had a happy Christmas too. His comment, "It's good." He really, really enjoyed the presents. As we ate dessert after our big Christmas dinner he asked, "Any more presents?"

We had a nice Christmas at home this year with my parents visiting and Dana's sister and her husband. We'd made a gingerbread house/creche this week and we each shared a reflection on one of the people who were at that first Christmas. I was really fun and meaningful.

I wrote about Joseph:

Scripture tells us Joseph was a just man, a carpenter, blessed by God. We see him as obedient, wise, patient and appreciative in the accounts of Jesus' birth and early life.

When faced with the fact that his young fiancee was pregnant he was troubled and wanted to spare her shame, public humiliation and worse--possible stoning.
Three times angels appeared to Joseph in his dreams and direct him to God’s ways. Each time he promptly followed their direction. Scripture shows no hesitancy or unbelief. One may wonder why God chose to send a visible angel to Mary as she went about her day, but a vision while sleeping to Joseph. Perhaps Joseph was a practical man--not prone to “wearing his heart on his sleeve” A man who may more comfortably sense God’s presence in the quiet of sleep than in the bustle of a busy day.

When Simeon blessed Jesus and recognizes him as the Messiah scripture tells us that Joseph, along with Mary, marveled. I like the idea of a dad for Jesus who marvels at the incomprehensible ways of God.

I chose to focus on Joseph, out of all the people at that first Christmas, because I heard a radio program in which the speaker described Joseph as watching Mary give birth “from a distance”. As I reflected on the little God’s Word tells us about Joseph I doubted he was “at a distance.”

I think a man like Joseph would have been right there with Mary supporting her head or holding her hand. I believe God knew Mary would need a just, practical man to be there to help her raise the Redeemer of mankind and support her in turbulent and uncertain times.

God, the Creotor of all, knows our needs. He knows what we are made of. He puts those others in our lives that will help us advance His Way.

I am thankful for each of those God has placed in my life as an instrument of His Grace. And as I reflect on Joseph this Christmas I am especially thankful for my husband, Dana, who shares many of the fine qualities of Joseph and has been there for me as God grows me up in His way.