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| Advent 2013 ~ Bethlehem Candle |
Old Testament: "You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, 'Here is your God!'" Isaiah 40:9
"Say to those with fearful hearts, 'Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with a vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.'" Isaiah 35:4
New Testament: "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son..." Matthew 1:24-25a
Joseph was also the recipient of an angelic visitation- in his dream. Where Zachariah doubted the angel standing before him in the Holy place within the Tabernacle, Joseph's encounter was in a dream. Yet still, Joseph woke from the dream and followed the angel's instructions with no need for further explanation. Joseph was indeed a man of great integrity. I imagine this dream from the angel was given to Joseph not just for instruction to take Mary as his wife, but also to let this young man know he would be raising the Son of God. So often we forget this young child had to grow up. Yes, Jesus was fully God, but He was also fully human. He had parents - Mary and Joseph - who taught Him to walk, taught Him right from wrong, taught Him to love God with all His heart, took Him to Church (temple), raised Him with good character, a trusting spirit and the heart of a servant. Joseph and Mary- two young kids - did an amazing job raising the Son of God.
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