Listening During Advent

“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

(Matthew 1:20, ESV)

As Joseph wrestled with the reality his fiancee was already pregnant, he remained open to the Lord’s leading. Even though he had decided to quietly divorce Mary (as engagement was already considered bound to marriage), he remained open to the Lord appearing as an angel and giving him direction. Joseph, assured of the Lord’s plan, took Mary as his wife and played a significant role in God’s plan of redemption.

As Advent is upon us, we have this same opportunity. We may be like Joseph, facing a challenging circumstance that we would rather remove ourselves from. However, we are to be like Joseph in remaining open to the Lord’s leading … even if our circumstances do not make sense to us. Be assured the Lord has a plan for your life and situations! Be assured He is working in and through you! Remain open to His guidance and direction and love!

As we travel the season of Advent, what is it the Lord wants to show us?