The Advent prayer for Wednesday, November 30, 2002, comes to us from: Hark the Herald Angels Sing: Daily Prayers for Advent.
21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
Matthew 1:21 NRSV
Friends,
What would you have done if you were in Joseph’s position? The person you are engaged to marry is going to have a child, rumors are circulating, and unsolicited advice is offered at every turn. Joseph does not want to open Mary to public shaming or ridicule, so he decides to break the engagement quietly. After Joseph has come to terms with what he would do, his plan is derailed by an angel messenger. Matthew records the angel’s message in verse 20: "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
Many fathers dream of the life their sons might have and the things they might accomplish. For Joseph, he knows in advance who his son would be and what he would do. Like Mary was chosen to be Jesus’ earthly mother, Joseph has been chosen to be Jesus’ earthly father. Joseph is being entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of teaching Jesus what it meant to be trustworthy, hardworking, and a person integrity. Joseph offers Jesus a father’s guidance, protection, vision, and character. I invite you to take time to reflect upon the cherished lessoned instilled in you by your father or father figure.
--Pastor Anthony
Fourth Day of Advent Prayer
Dear Father in heaven, you sent angels to give so many important messages. As I keep reading them in the Bible, I am in awe of your creation. First, you created the earth, but then sin crept in. Then, you created a plan of salvation for every single person. You promised a Savior, a Messiah. What a wonderful Christmas present for each of us! Thank you for sending Jesus! Amen.
-Stephenie Hovland