Sermon - 14th December 2008

Scripture - Matthew 1:18-25

John Foulds

 

After listening to such an important reading from scripture and watching the lovely film clip, it seems rather trivial to begin today’s sermon by telling you about something that happened to me recently – but I need to get it off my chest...so, here goes...

We’re not thinking here about Nazareth 2000 years ago, but this weekend... in Widnes...and in Morrisons to be specific! I was looking at the flowers, plants and festive baskets, minding my own business...when a young man came up to me and started talking to me. Having been brought up in London, I have never quite got used to people talking to folk they don’t know at all when out and about shopping in the town. Anyway, I have learned to join in now so I listened to what the young man had to say.

‘I’m just moving in with my girlfriend’, he confided, ‘and I want to get her something nice for the house and I thought of a plant but don’t know which one to get.’ Well, if he had stopped there all would have been well. But he didn’t. He went on. ‘You look like you’ll be able to help me’, he said,’ being a lot older and more mature than me’...!!!

Well, now I know how I come across to other people. ‘Great’, I thought, as guided him around the poinsettias and Christmas arrangements. Anyway, he couldn’t decide so he thanked me and said he mustn’t take up any more of my time, adding that my wife would be wondering where I had got to!!

Anyway, back to the job in hand...let me apply my MANY years of maturity to our reflections this evening...and to Joseph, who, according to tradition was another mature guy!

They say that wisdom comes with maturity. I’m not too sure just how much I have but I know that Joseph acquired plenty along the way. And what an amazing life he had!

He was brought up in a traditional Jewish culture during a time of occupation by the Romans. He would have been used to juggling the demands of the secular authorities with the Jewish faith that was so dear to his heart. And he was getting married!

He must have been busy making plans for his life with Mary when she told him the news that the angel had told her. News of the saviour’s birth that sounds wonderfully familiar to us, but which Joseph would have found profoundly shocking.

In the culture of the day it was not considered acceptable to have a baby outside marriage and Joseph also knew that he was not the father. He must have felt very let down by Mary. Her account of her pregnancy and the message the angel brought about the forthcoming birth of the Messiah must have seemed beyond belief to Joseph.

However, despite all of this, it seems Mary still held a place in his heart. After all, to preserve his own reputation in the community, he could have had her stoned. Instead, he just decided to end the betrothal quietly. He didn’t believe everything Mary told him, but he still was merciful to her.

Then, we hear that Joseph too was blessed by an encounter with an angel. His message came in a dream. The angel reassured Joseph about the truth of Mary’s words. She was indeed carrying the saviour of the world in her womb. The baby was given to Mary by the Holy Spirit and Joseph should not be afraid to marry Mary after all.

We know that Joseph was a man of faith because he did as the angel advised. What an awesome encounter he must have had with the angel! The heavenly messenger inspired Joseph to go against both the culture of the day and the town’s gossips. The angel encouraged Joseph both in his faith in God and in his love for Mary.

There is a lovely hymn which contains the words, ‘St. Joseph, pray for us, that we may live our lives with Jesus, as you did.’ Joseph would see the birth of Jesus and was given the responsibility of protecting the child and his mother from harm. He would eventually be able to return to Nazareth and to his trade as a carpenter. We can imagine the Holy Family living their lives in that town as Jesus went through his childhood years. So, despite all the difficulties, Joseph did live with both Mary and Jesus and enjoyed many blessings.

Advent is a reflective season, so this week let’s think about Joseph in the coming days. Let’s remember his spiritual maturity and willingness to accept the message of the angel. We can be thankful too for his merciful character and example in a world where people do not always show mercy to each other.

Then as we remember his life with Jesus, let us resolve anew to live each day with Jesus, mindful of His mercy and love for us.

 
Amen.

(John Foulds )

This sermon was first preached in the Metropolitan Community Church of Manchester. Click here for further information.