Mary and Joseph’s Perspective

My husband and I learned something new about one of our children. We were anticipating results of a specific kind after an appointment. I researched the subject for weeks to prepare my heart. The appointment took two hours, and at the end, the doctor came in and sat with me alone. As she began speaking, I could sense this was going in a different direction. The doctor confirmed our suspicions, but the reason behind it was beyond our wildest expectations.

There was relief, joy, and a new, more profound sense of responsibility for parenting this child. As days went on, my mind spiraled. This thing is considered a beautiful gift, but suddenly, it feels like an immense weight. How do we parent this? How do we inform family members? Do we tell our child? What will change in his life? How will his peers treat him if they know? How do we adjust parenting strategies to understand the reason behind his actions? Finally, what if we mess this up? What if we miss the mark and ruin this gift instead of fostering it to grow? We are just Jake and Dana; who are we to parent through the privilege of this? We are only human.

Shortly after this appointment, Chantha asked me to write these pieces, and as soon as he said, “The final cast members are the parents,” I began crying. As a parent, I felt this immense pressure to raise my child to become the human that God created him to be (and not mess it up). Now, suddenly, I began thinking about Mary and Joseph and the thoughts that must have run through their minds. Believe me, I am not comparing the parenting of my child to raising Jesus; bear with me.

We know that an Angel told Mary not to be afraid, and an angel visited Joseph to be comforted and encouraged. We read those stories, but what about after that? How do you think Joseph felt when he realized that the savior of the world was about to be born in a stable? I imagine that impacted his pride as a man just a bit. What about Mary’s reactions when Jesus was a baby, and she was tired and postpartum? Do you think there was a moment when Jesus was crying, and she had to set him down and walk away because she was afraid of what she might do in exhaustion?

What about when they left without him, and he was alone for three days? I bet they felt confident in God’s selection of them as Jesus’ parents then! After all, they were human.

And yet, God chose them. Despite their humanity, God chose Mary and Joseph.

Just before Christmas, we can ponder that he did the same for us. Day after day, God chooses us. Despite our humanity and shortcomings, God sent His one and only Son to be the Saviour of the world. He chooses us to be His children. He pursues us and creates us with glory in mind. He chooses us to steward careers, companies, families, and children.

Who are we to receive such a gift? What if we mess it up?

Dear friends, Jesus came as a baby to be the Saviour. He knew before, and he knows now, exactly who we are and came just the same. Do not be so afraid of messing it up that you lose sight of the precious gift that Jesus is. Stop hesitating and choose good news of great joy.