By Dickson Tumuramye
One of the interesting stories that have ever happened in the history of the world is the divine birth of Jesus Christ.
The Bible clearly tells us Joseph was in courtship with Mary, but ‘bad news’ started circulating around of how (in our context), a virgin, spirit-filled, God-fearing girl was pregnant before getting married, and Joseph was not responsible.
The Bible does not mention anywhere that he was angry at Mary and decided to harm or embarrass her.
His intention was to swallow his disenchantment and not to disgrace her publicly. But as we know that God’s ways and thoughts are far beyond our own (Isaiah 55:8).
He sent an Angel, who appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take on Mary as his wife, because the child she was carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20).
Love according to God
Some couples come together when they have little knowledge about each other, but risk to get married.
They are simply inspired by the love between them. Love does not grow in a single day; it is a process depending on how each lovers are involved with each other concerning their future.
Love always covers a multitude of sins, it is patient and kind, does not envy or boast, it is not arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful.
If Joseph confronted Mary and quarreled with her, maybe it would be a different story, but he planned to break up with her quietly.
When God’s Angel told him to continue with the engagement, he did not find it hard because he knew if God had said it, then it would be true that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit.
If you feel you should confront your child or spouse for any reason, let it be done with unconditional love.
Understanding
The story of Joseph and Mary teaches us that marriage and love are issues of two people understanding each other.
Many people may judge you depending on their perception concerning your engagement or marriage.
Rumour mongering is part of life and it causes tension between parties, but when you get to understand your partner, know his or her strength and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, love language and personality, it helps you to develop an intimate relationship.
The rest are taken in quietly and you choose to move on well. Regardless of the public gossip, Joseph treated Mary with a lot of understanding and did not leave her publicly.
Commitment
The journey of commitment throughout your marriage life should be based on God. It is the reason the Angel came and comforted Joseph in his displeasure with Mary.
Many are the challenges we encounter in a marriage relationship, but when Christ is at the centre of it, things will always flow and life becomes better.
It may take long to pray and get an answer, but the grace of God is always sufficient for us.
Keep connected to God and commit all your burdens, marriage, spouse, children to Him; He will always make a way and fight for you.
Trust your partner
Trust sometimes never comes easily when you are frustrated, but where it is, love and forgiveness prevail.
If Joseph did not trust the words of the Angel, he would have missed the opportunity of having a world’s Saviour, son of God born in his house.
When he chose to believe the word of God and trust Mary, his life never remained the same.
Marriage may not be a garden of roses, a straight path, but when you choose to trust each other, it reduces the tension brought by challenges.
Trust in God
Mary and Joseph did not question God about conceiving by the Holy Spirit, they simply trusted what He had said without doubt.
Mary said, “Let it be as you have said” (Luke 1:38), meaning she knew God never makes mistakes.
Leaning on God’s way and word leads us to enjoy the fruits of His Kingdom, even when the public does not understand.
As long as God has lead you to do something as a couple, you need to ignore what the public says, and follow His word.
What does the birth of the Saviour change about your life, marriage/family and love for mankind? I pray that you read and reflect on the relationship between Joseph and Mary throughout this Christmas.
Use this season as time to reconcile with one another and live happily.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2022!
The writer is a child advocate, parenting coach and marriage counselor.
tumudickson@gmail.com
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