Friday, December 16- Joseph Doesn't Sing

²⁴ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, ²⁵ This but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. 

Matthew 1:24-25

³⁴I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. ³⁵By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

John 13: 34-35   

       This Sunday our attention turns to Mary and Elizabeth and the story of the Annunciation as recorded in the Gospel According to Luke. The chancel choir will sing "Mary and Elizabeth," one of my favorite anthems. I can't help but smile when I hear Mary's Magnificat. Which brings us back to Joseph.
          Joseph doesn't sing. In fact, if Scripture is any indicator, Joseph was a fairly quiet man. Not one word is ascribed to him in the New Testament. We are told what he thought and what he did, never what he said. Never a word to a friend or even to Mary. Surely Joseph had something important to say?
          Once again this year we find ourselves embroiled in the "Merry Christmas" wars. When is it proper to say, "Merry Christmas," and when  is it at least tolerable to share, "Happy Holidays?" There's lots to sort through on both sides of this issue. But I think there is something we are missing.
          John 13: 31-35 records Jesus' sharing of a new commandment with his disciples. They are to love one another as Jesus has loved them. "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another."
          The most important way for us to share Christmas is through the love that we share with one another and the world. Our actions always speak far louder than our words. Most importantly the world is watching us and judging whether or not our actions are consistent with our words. Will our words and actions be an invitation for the world to come and know God's love through the gift of the Christ Child born in Bethlehem. Or will our words and actions push people away reflecting, "If that's what it means to be a Christian, I don't want to have anything to do with it?"
          Do we look like the rest of the world? Or does Christ's love so permeate who we are and how we behave that others can't help but see God's light in and through us?
          I'm sure Jospeh spoke often even if the Gospels don't share any of his words with us. I do think, however, that we are given the more important part of Joseph's person. As as righteous man he faithfully answered God's calling. Joseph's actions speak volumes.
          Ummmm...I wonder what Joseph's Magnificat might sound like: ..."YES! They'll know that its Christmas by our love!"

          Advent Blessings,

          Rich