Love in His Coming

"Love only goes so far." It would have been easy for Joseph to react the way we would react to the idea that Mary was with child through the Holy Spirit. They were pledged to be married (betrothed) - good as married. But this child would not be of his flesh! He tried to make the best of this development. He was just, and law-abiding, but also merciful. He had his plan to deal with it. Do we? What plan do we have to deal with Christmas - not just the holiday, but the event behind the festivities? What's our plan to deal with the confusion and emotions that swirl around this time of year? What do we do with this child?

Joseph heeded what the angel who appeared in a dream had to say. This child was conceived from the Holy Spirit, and Joseph was to call him Jesus. By faith, Joseph welcomed what had been fulfilled for God's people. In his ineffable, divine, love, God was coming to be with us. May we not miss this:

• We are told much about this child that was on the way by his names;

• We are told much by the way in which he came.

Join us this Sunday, Christmas Eve (but also the fourth Sunday in Advent) as we think through what we are told. May we listen like Joseph. Let's not miss the love in His coming. Let us welcome, by faith, what has been fulfilled for us.