The birth of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:18-25
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
You ask me to tell you about the birth of my son? This is not a simple story, and you may find it hard to believe.
I had a beautiful fiancé, and Mary and I were looking forward eagerly to our wedding, which we had planned for some months in the future. One day Mary came to me and said that she had family business some distance away and she would not return
for several months. I knew I would miss her smile and the deep conversations we shared.
About five months later, Mary returned home. She seemed to have put on weight and there was a guardedness when she talked with me. What had happened to her? Then the neighbours started whispering, and one day I overheard two of them talking. “What a shame! You never would have thought of this with Mary. Joseph will be so shocked when he finds out.’ Finds out what? Was Mary?... Could Mary be pregnant? In the days that followed, I watched Mary and noticed again the change in the way she approached me. She seemed to be watching me, and there was fear in her voice as we talked.
As the weeks passed, I became convinced that Mary was indeed pregnant. What was I to do? Mary was such a God-fearing lady. I certainly did not want to cause her any pain. I prayed to God, but there seemed to be no answer. What does the Law say?
Reluctantly, I decided to break off the engagement and move to another town. I would do it quietly with no show because I did not want to cause Mary any more trauma.
With a heavy heart, I went to bed that night. Where was God in all this? Why hadn’t my prayer been answered?
Now, I have always believed in the value of dreams. I had found them to be life-changing. But none had been as vivid or as compelling as this one!
An angel appeared in my dream. ‘Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby within her is of God’s doing, conceived by the Holy Spirit. The boy’s name is to be Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. God is asking you to be this child’s adopted father so that he can claim the lineage of David your ancestor and truly be Emmanuel, God with us.’ I felt a huge burden drop from my shoulders. Yes, of course I would say yes!
The next morning, I went to Mary’s house and told her about the dream. We wept together in relief. We acknowledged that God’s ways are not our ways!
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· What do I do when communication seems strained?
· When I suspect something is happening, how do I clarify the situation?
· Do I listen to negative gossip?
· Do I spread gossip?
· Am I brave enough to engage in honest conversations?
· How can I support people who are the victims of unjust criticism?
Prayer
Lord, may I rely on your word to guide my thoughts and actions. Keep me from false judgements. May I give people the benefit of the doubt. Help me to cultivate a positive attitude to life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.