Honor Joseph and Mary at Christmastime, Too

Published December 23, 1982. During this week many of us will be singing songs, reading poetry, telling, and retelling the story of the night before Christmas. The following is something for married couples to consider as we remember that holy evening.

The Christmas season is here again, and of course, our thoughts turn to the birth of our Lord. It is a time of celebration and joy for the message of love that He gave to us all. He is the focus of this celebration and rightfully so. But there are two other people that we feel we should always remember too.

Joseph and Mary were a married couple like us. They shared hopes, dreams, joys, and sorrows, just like we do. However, there were extraordinary circumstances surrounding their marriage. Their circumstances demanded a great deal of love, commitment, and obedience to God, disregarding what other people thought about them. Their example should be a model for all our marriages.

But, because they were human, there must have been some concern between them, some questions, some feelings of wonderment about what was happening to them. Keeping this in mind, the following is a conversation that could have taken place on the night before Christ’s birth.

Mary:  Joseph, what did you really think?

Joseph:  When?

When you first knew?

I don’t remember exactly.

Were you angry?

No.

Were you Disgusted?

Bewildered, not disgusted.

Were you ashamed?

More embarrassed than ashamed.

Were you really going to break our engagement?

Yes.

Why?

I had no other choice.

You had one more alternative.

No. That I couldn’t do.

Not even if you were guilty?

Not even if you were guilty!

You really loved me, did you?

Yes, and I love you even more now.

Know something, Joseph?

What’s that, Mary?

I’m afraid. I’ve never had a baby before.

Are – are you comfortable?

Yes, It’s quiet cozy in here.

I hope you sleep better tonight.

Joseph? We made it just in time.

What’s the matter, Mary?

Joseph? Will you love both of us?

With all my heart, Mary.

Forever?

Forever.

(From the book “Good Morning, Lord, Devotions for Young Adults,” Baker Book House Company, Ada, Michigan.)