Reflection: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid....

Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this Child has been conceived in her. She will bear a Son and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."  Matthew 1:20-21

The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home"

Meditation:

Visit a chapel this week, sit before the tabernacle and ponder the angel's message to Joseph. He was betrothed to Mary. Imagine how he must have felt when he found out that Mary was with child! He was a good and loving man. He wanted to protect Mary so decided he would divorce her quietly. 

When the angel of the Lord told him Mary's child was conceived  by the Holy Spirit. Joseph responded with complete trust. He awoke from his dream and  he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and he took Mary into his home. 

Ponder Joseph's trust and ask him to teach you how to trust the way he trusted. When the angel appeared in his dream, calling Joseph, by name, the angel's first words were, "Do not be afraid." 

When you are faced with a situation that you do not understand, go to Joseph. Ask him to be with you and to help you trust the way he did. When you are afraid, go to Joseph. He will console you and protect you. As we await the birth of the Baby Jesus, ask Joseph to come into your home, the home of your heart.

Behold, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and they shall name Him Emmanuel which means "God is with us." Matthew 1:23