Matthew 1:18-25 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 1:18-25 on biblegateway.com
Verse 18Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Verse 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. Verse 20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "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. Verse 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Verse 22All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: Verse 23"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." Verse 24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, Verse 25but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Devotion
On Monday we read about John the baptizer who turned things upside down. Today we hear of an angel who inverts expectations and makes a promise. Joseph, after hearing that dream-word, woke up and did as the Lord commanded. It is well to hear the word, to wake up, and then go and act on it. This process is at the heart of discipleship, for we follow the child whom Joseph was sent to care for.
Prayer
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ and asleep we may rest in peace. But awake or asleep, Lord, we ask you to keep us safe so that we may hear and act on your call. Amen.