By Peter Oliver, Olive Branch Marriage and Family Ministry

Joseph, her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. – Matthew 1:19

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!

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[This is a weekly blog re-published from www.olivebranchministry.ca with permission from author Peter Oliver. Each post is exactly 100 words.]