Dec
12
2013
An Inconvenient Birth
Posted in Christmas 2 Comments
I can’t even imagine the journey.
A distance of about 90 miles traveled in 3 or 4 days.
The man probably traveled on foot; the woman more than likely traveled on a donkey.
A difficult journey for anyone; but in this case the woman was nine months pregnant.
I have delivered five children and I can’t imagine traveling that distance on a donkey.
That is the time in a pregnancy a woman begins to nest to get ready for her baby to arrive.
In this couple’s case, there was no such luxury.
They were refugees in every sense of the word, poor, far away from home, tired, hungry.
Quirinius was governing Syria and everyone in the empire was expected to register.
The man needed to travel from Nazareth to Judea, the city of Bethlehem.
He was in the house and family line of David.
He was engaged to the woman who was pregnant, but not with his child.
A man and a woman beginning their life together amidst a sea of difficulties.
He could have divorced her quietly, since betrothals were binding.
He had that right; she was carrying a child that was not his own.
But God had different plans and through a dream assured the man about the child.
He was a righteous man and believed God.
He would protect her.
He would not lie with her as his own wife until her son was born.
He loved her and he took his responsibility very seriously.
Imagine if such an inconvenient birth happened today.
In our culture of expediency and pragmatism, an illegitimate baby is disposable.
It doesn’t fit into our plans.
God has different plans.
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he considered 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 home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save the people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21)
Joseph could have walked away and left Mary to tend to this child on her own.
Joseph could have said no to child support.
Joseph could have dragged Mary’s name through the mud.
God revealed His plan, as much as Joseph could understand at the time.
Joseph heard and believed.
The world is better off because of Joseph’s obedience.
How far we have come.
Many men today father a child but then walk away from the responsibility.
Many men pressure the young woman to “take care of it” as they walk away.
What if that had happened to the child Mary was carrying?
What if Joseph disgraced his betrothed?
What if Joseph walked away?
What if Joseph demanded that Mary “take care of it”?
Had this child never been born, we would still be in our sins.
Had this child never been born, redemption would not have been possible.
Had this child never been born, there would not be a way back to the Father.
Sin. Shame. Eternal separation from God.
Joseph didn’t run away; he didn’t push Mary aside.
Joseph took responsibility for a son that was not his own.
Joseph, though confused, trusted God.
To the world, an illegitimate child.
To God the father, His son.
To the world, an outcast.
To those who believe, a Savior.
Joseph, took responsibility for the woman he loved.
Joseph selflessly agreed to raise this special child.
Jesus, the Son of God, was influenced by Joseph as he grew up.
Joseph’s carpentry trade probably became Jesus’ trade in His early years.
There will never be another Jesus.
Jesus is God the Father’s One and Only Son.
There will be many other children, conceived in less than perfect circumstances.
Can the father follow Joseph’s example: staying when its hard; doing the right thing?
Taking responsibility.
How many babies have we sacrificed to the spirit of the age?
Lives snuffed out like a candle before they had the chance to shine.
What if the life of the Light of the World had been snuffed out?
We would all be in darkness.
Complete, utter, eternal darkness.
One Life.
Not the least bit inconvenient.
Oh, how very much that Life matters to God.
This is a great reminder for us today as my friend and I head out to the late term abortion mill. Many babies’ lives will be snuffed out today. Just like blowing out a candle, for many have become desensitized to death, considering it a right that is given, so that others may live. Who will tell them the truth? How will they learn? Unlike Joseph, the men will blow a kiss and drive away. The ladies will bear the responsibility, and walk through the doors into darkness, instead of following the light allowing us to help. More than ever, we need the baby about which you speak to speak to their hearts, swaddling their bodies with love that will not let them go.
Ruth Stafford
Ruth,
May the women you minister to today know the love of Immanuel, the God who is with us…the God who is with them.
They are not alone.
Gina