18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.(Matthew 1:18-25, NRSV)
I wish I knew how many weddings I have officiated over the years. Some stand out more than others. I remember when someone in the wedding party passed out during the service. I remember when the groom couldn’t find his bride’s wedding band when it came time to put it on her finger. I remember an outdoor wedding when the unity candle wouldn’t stay lit because of the wind (thank goodness they’re still married).
I could share wedding story after wedding story if you’d keep reading them, but I’m lucky if you’re still reading now.
There is one wedding story in particular that I’m reminded of as I read today’s text. The doors of the church opened in the back and in walked the bride on the arm of her father. But as she approached the halfway point on her way to the front, she and her father paused and the bride’s stepfather took her other arm. Together, all three of them approached the chancel. It was a tender moment, a testimony to the role that both of these men had played in the bride’s life.
Can’t you just see Joseph, after being visited by an angel in a dream, waking up and taking Mary by the arm? He will take her as his wife and be the earthly father to the Christ.
And can’t you just imagine the Holy Spirit, maybe even God as well, on Mary’s other arm? Their involvement is what led to her giving birth to the Savior of the world.
And can’t you just imagine Mary pondering this tender moment, mindful of the role that these three had played in her life? And surely she’s mindful of the role that Jesus will play in the lives of countless others.
During this holy season, may God grant us the grace to believe that God calls, that God comes, and that God saves.
