One night, Joseph had a dream, like the ones we might have, and his world was turned upside-down. An angel of the Lord appeared to him during the night in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit.’"
Joseph trusted and knew in the depths of his being that God was with Mary and with him and would accompany them on their journey. Yes, he trusted . . . and "when he awoke, he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do." Together, Mary and Joseph waited in joyful hope.
Later in Matthew’s Gospel, we read that after the wise men left, "The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said: ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you.’ So, Joseph got up, and taking the child and his mother with him, left that night for Egypt." Once again, Joseph trusted, and with Mary, he waited in joyful hope.
In both instances, Joseph trusted and dared to respond with confidence. There had to be some doubt, fear, and confusion within him. His faith gave him the strength and the courage he needed to take the risk and to follow his heart.
During this Advent season may we, like Mary and Joseph, be attuned to God’s presence, pay attention and listen to God’s voice. May all our actions give witness to what we believe. Together, let us walk with Mary and Joseph, waiting in joyful hope!
Click here to see the entire Advent Reflection by Sr. Laura Bufano, CSJ