The story of Zechariah’s prophecy of his son John after being mute for doubting the message from God’s angel has me so curious of the event. Did he speak like a man possessed by the Holy Spirit, where his family and friends would say, “that isn’t like his normal manners or speech, it must be the Holy Spirit!”? I envision him holding John like Simba and his eyes lit like crystal balls as he spoke.
The story of Joseph led me to a potential microcosm. The child was not his creation, but he was in love with the creators (both mother and Heavenly Father). When Joseph realized he was chosen to care for this honorable role, he humbled himself and fulfilled his duty.
Microcosm: The closest we can get to creating anything is a child. Even in that, how hard did you physically “work” to create it. I would say, That was actually the easiest and most fun part. In actuality, we have not created anything, but only rearranged and shepherded the things the Lord has made. We were chosen by the Creator to till and tend to his stuff in His house. He’s set up the beautiful, living decor by defining the laws of how they exist. We just need to harmonize with it and play nicely with the over visitors. He invited me to have a relationship with Him even though I break His rules. He just wants what’s best for me.
If I were Joseph, there would be a part of me that does not feel as invested in the success of the child that I did not physically father. Just as, I would not be so grateful and gentle to a garden that I did not spend my life meticulously planning, planting, and growing. Give a child a toy and take it away 7 minutes later and it will cry as if you took away its arm because they own it. Anything outside of that toy, they will gladly throw and stomp on.
How proud was Joseph to bring Peace to the world? I too can contribute by bringing harmony with the Holy Spirit.
Dear Heavenly Father
Thank you for being the ultimate Giver.
You gave us a paradise to live in
You gave us rules to be in harmony with it
You gave us your only begotten son, Jesus, to teach us
You gave us a way maker to salvation
You gave us the Advocate to guide us
You faithfully give us daily bread and living water
You faithfully give us new mercies every day
We don’t deserve it, but you faithfully love us
In Your loving son, Jesus’, name
Amen