And let’s take our cue from Mary, who is one of the most courageous people in the Bible – male or female. While her initial reaction appears to be both fear and confusion, she quickly moves to acceptance, belief and humility. Her response to Gabriel: “Behold I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:36).
This is utterly remarkable. She trusts in the Lord and believes in His plan for her. She shows wisdom way beyond her years when she chooses faith (in God) over fear (of man).
We see that in Joseph too. Instead of putting her life at risk by revealing that he was not the father of her child, he intended to protect her and make it possible for her to try to conceal the pregnancy.
But, as you know, the story doesn’t end there. After the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream (Matthew 1:20) and explained to him what was going on, Joseph showed great courage in being obedient to the command to take Mary as his wife. His own reputation would surely have suffered when he persisted in marrying her, but he didn’t let that stop him from doing what he knew was right.
John, in this Advent season, we hope you take time to reflect on the courage, faithfulness and wisdom Mary and Joseph showed, and the great love for all humanity that the Almighty showed in sending his one and only Son to earth to redeem all who trust in Him.
As we reflect on the last year, there’s no doubt it was challenging – but not without its joy and victories. We say “victories” because sometimes just being faithful is a victory. Showing courage in the midst of opposition and when facing hostility, harassment, and intimidation is sometimes exactly what we are called to do.
We’ll need to renew that approach that next year, because in all likelihood, the left will continue to push unfettered abortion rights and a radical transgender agenda to appease their extremist base.
And once the legislative session is over, they’ll ramp up their campaign to elect even more far-left extremists to continue their transformation of Minnesota into California or New York. We, and a few groups like us, as well as the common sense of citizens like you, are all that stand in their way.
Let’s commit to working together to do all we can to stop this radical agenda, by showing courage, remaining faithful, and shrewdly exercising wisdom from above.
John, your faithful support of this ministry brings us great joy and fills us with thankfulness to God for you and your partnership (Philippians 1:3-8). As the year comes to a close we humbly ask you to continue that support with a generous year-end gift of $25, $50, $100 or even more, as the Lord leads. Thank you, and God bless you!
