Joseph, Joseph, WAKE UP!!!!!

By Fr. Shnork Souin

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Dear Faithful

During the Christmas Season we receive cards from friends and relatives that remind us of good times and generosity. We put up cards that read "Season's Greetings," or "Joy to the World," as if it is the season and the outpouring of human love and decency that brings the joy. These feelings are reinforced with the numerous invitations to house parties, the donations that you may make to the various charities in town. All these things are good and noble expressions at any time not just Christmas. They are by human standards the right things to do.

Joseph too, like us, wanted to do the right things. Betrothed to Mary and being a righteous and upstanding man, "he resolved to divorce her gently." But his human gentlemanly uprightness in light of the situation he found himself in would have got IT all wrong.

It took an angel of the Lord to set gentle Joseph straight: "That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit...Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:19-21) He needed this help from above to open his eyes to the truth. The Word from God explains the Christmas birth and guides those who await the coming of the Lord.

Look about you. Into a busy world, this little child is to be born. What shall you think of it? How shall you prepare for it? Listen to the Word of God: This Jesus shall save you from sin and wrath.

"When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him." He ordered the actions of his life in accord with the truth revealed from on high: Jesus, Saviour from sin. This reaction put him on a course contrary to the values of the world.

Seasonal good will and common decency, doing the right thing, are not the adequate posture in which to receive the birth of Christ. LISTEN to the Word from above! WAKE UP to God's plan to save the world through His Son, Jesus.

May this Holy child of Bethleham awaken and enliven you and your family to the gracious love of God.

With love in Christ, I remain prayerfully,

Der Shnork Souin, Pastor