Jesus isn’t found in a perfect Christmas; he is discovered in our real Christmases.
Mary is pregnant and Joseph plans to divorce her, but his plans change when an angel appears to him in a dream. Families facing separation and divorce this Christmas might cry out, “God, where’s our angel?”
It’s important to notice two things about this passage. First, the angel invites Joseph to make a decision that requires more courage – hence, the reassurance, “do not be afraid” (Matt 1:20). Second, this decision to welcome what Joseph can’t understand makes God astonishingly real. Jesus is Emmanuel: God with us!
Picture Attribution to: The Doubt of St. Joseph
