“Now the birth of JesusChrist took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed toJoseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the HolySpirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his nameJesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”(which means,God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth toa son. And he called his name Jesus.” 
- Matthew 1:18–25

When Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant, he was initially troubled because they were not yet married, and she claimed to still be a virgin. Joseph considered divorcing her quietly to avoid subjecting her to public disgrace. However, an angel appeared to him in a dream and explained that Mary's pregnancy was by the Holy Spirit and that the child would be the promised Savior. Joseph accepted the angel's message, took Mary as his wife, and became the earthly father of Jesus.

It is the promises of God that also give us the confidence to walk into a similar, unknown future.

How would you respond to a woman who claimed to be a pregnant virgin? Do you think your response would be similar to Joseph’s? Would a dream be enough to convince you of what you didn’t understand or couldn't foresee? Would you need more than a dream? Ultimately it wasn’t the dream that led Joseph to believe Mary. It was the promises of God revealed in the Scriptures that gave him the confidence to venture into the unknown. It is the promises of God that also give us the confidence to walk into a similar, unknown future.

Consider the promise of Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” This promise was over seven hundred years old when the angel visited Joseph. ButJoseph knew that God's promises do not fade or falter with the passage of time. We can also patiently wait on the Lord as the psalmist says in Psalm 27:14:“ Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”  

Even when things appeared impossible and made no sense to Joseph, he trusted God and his Word.

It is always and only God who saves his people. If we don't trust God, we will trust in physical strength, knowledge, reputation, prestige, position, or influential friends. All of these will fail in the end. But God’s promises never fail. Joseph's example of godly masculinity is a model for us all. Even when things appeared impossible and made no sense to Joseph, he trusted God and his Word. So can we.

We may not be visited by angels in our dreams, but we have something better: the HolySpirit and the infallible Word of God. Don't be distracted or dissuaded by unexpected events. Don't be overwhelmed by what you don't understand. Instead, seek God and follow the clear guidance of the Holy Spirit confirmed by Scripture. Like Joseph, we can confidently step into the unknown, unseen future with faith that we are part of God's great plan and purpose for the world. Like Joseph, may we faithfully follow him in thought, word, and deed.

Liturgy

Lord God of the universe and mighty creator
Spirit hover over us, prepare and mold us.

In fear, we have hidden from your light.
We’ve been ashamed of the great things you’ve wrought.
We have put ourselves away from you and loved what we should not.

Please forgive us.

In your generosity you have not destroyed us.
In your benevolence you visited in quiet gentleness.

For lasting glory you have sent your legacy among men.
Virgin mother of prophecy did bear the marks of incarnation:
That no more would women hope the Savior be born,
That no more would men fear the Savior never come.

You came not to save with legion’s sword and spear
For sin to die and justice there to pay.
Flesh and nails, wood and blood, became your way.

O God, be atonement to us, that in your kingdom we might dwell.

God in us and us in God, perfect merit here bestowed.
So we your crown shine, and conquer dark.
Spirit of refining fire, please leave your mark,

Amen