dec23reflection

In our first reading for today, we hear that Ahaz actually hears from God. What does God say to Ahaz? He says – what do you want? Ask for it! Ahaz is having none of that however and will not do it. Isaiah speaks and lets Ahaz, and all of us know that we weary one another and possibly God. God himself will now give a sign; a son Emmanuel. God with Us.

Ahaz is afraid to ask but God is anxious to give. Ahaz’s faith must be transformed from not wanting to “bother” God but to openly ask God for what is needed.

Faith must supplant fear; God will always give to us! In today’s Gospel we are then reminded of just how this sign, which is given to us in such an extraordinary way, happens.

Upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph decides to try to divorce her quietly. What else could he do? It was what the standards of the time called for. It was not what God called for however!

God has other plans and speaks to Joseph via an angel in a dream. I think this is a great symbol of how God uses all of us for His glory. Joseph can’t be talked to about this in his waking life - he won’t be able to hear. So an angel appears to him in a dream and says the he must stay with Mary

Now this Joseph can hear, which is pretty amazing. What Joseph does next is an act of faith, a faith that has triumphed over fear. Unlike Ahaz, Joseph hears God voice and then acts upon it.

We are often people of faith and people of fear simultaneously and that is pretty normal. As God speaks to us, may we be able to not only hear His voice, but also be able to let our fear be the lever to lift our faith. As a result, that we may chose to act in that faith despite any fear.

This is our Advent, each day a candle lit as we move from darkness into light, fear into faith, hope into love.