Do Not Be Afraid

Dear Friends,

This past week during our Wednesday evening Advent program, the participants were invited to reflect upon some of the paradoxical blessings we’ve received in the most unexpected or unwelcome phases of our life journeys. As we looked back on the big stories of our lives, we came to realize that the disruptive and disturbing parts are quite often what make the stories memorable and even valuable to us. In the middle of living through the disruptions, however, we are less apt to appreciate their value. Why is this happening to me?! We imagine how pleasant life would be with no more disruption, but these are the parts of our life stories, in retrospect, that often mean the most.

In our gospel reading from Matthew for today, we hear the lesser-known version of the Annunciation – in which the Angel Gabriel visits Joseph, not Mary. The passage begins, “Now the birth of Jesus took place in this way…,” and what follows is a remarkable tale of dire straits and close calls and amazing grace. In retrospect, it is a beautiful and moving story. In the middle of living it, however, I imagine it was something closer to terrifying. Think about it: After Joseph and Mary were engaged, but before they lived together, Mary was found to be with child, saying it was the work of the Holy Spirit. Lovely in retrospect—the mystical encounter, union with God, Mary kneeling in wonder and devotion in a soft beam of light.  But in the moment? What would it have been like for this young, betrothed couple? Scary, probably. Might Mary be lying? Are she and Joseph just trying to save face? Is she sane?

“Then Joseph,” scripture says, “made plans to dismiss her quietly.” In retrospect, surely, he was a righteous man who did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace, a man of honor, doing the loving thing. But in that moment, you know he had to be experiencing a bit of denial and dismay. Why is this happening to us?!

The story says an angel appears to Joseph in a dream and says, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” What I also hear is, “Do not be afraid, Joseph, of this whole crazy story!” And I hear the angel saying to us as well, “Don’t be ashamed of all the disruptions and disgraces of your own life. In retrospect, you’ll see— yours is becoming a remarkably beautiful story!  Now, more than ever, may it be so.

In the hope, peace, joy, and love of Advent,

Amelie+