URC Daily Devotion 10 October 2025
St Matthew 1: 18 – 25
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. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 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. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’,
which means, ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Reflection
“It all seemed so straightforward. There was I, no great catch, I’ll admit, just a tradesman who’d been alone a few years too many, and in a northern town where work is scarce.
“But yet the match seemed good. Her family was keen on me – and I on her, it’s true – just a shy, blushing lass… I worried, though, about the age difference. They said, don’t fret: protect her, and she’ll love you. And besides, her mum is keen on genealogy – apparently we’re both of David’s line! Not that I’ll be challenging for the throne any time soon – you don’t mess with Herod!
“We laughed, and ate, and by the evening’s end young Mary and old Joseph were betrothed. And for a fortnight, it was bliss… until she came to me, as white as leprosy, said, Joseph, Joseph, we must talk… and wept.
“Forgive? Why, I’d forgive her seven times, or even seven seventies! But yet, there is forgiveness, and there is what’s right. She’s shown she is not mine, I thought, and so it’s best that I just… quietly… let her go.
“But then the angel came to me as well. And that changed everything – again. Told me that Mary was blameless – told me to stay with her, protect her, and protect her child. “That was nine months ago. Now here I am, bewildered, and a surrogate father. And now I’m left not knowing what to do. For if this child is who he’s said to be, then how can I raise him? Most of my work is crosses for the Romans now – no place for any child – certainly not this one.
“It all seemed so straightforward – once. But now I have a bride to care for – and her child – suppose old Joseph may yet learn to live by faith, for her sake, and for his.”
Prayer
Lord of loyalty and love:
if ever my pursuit of righteousness
puts someone else’s safety at risk,
then please challenge my priorities.
If ever my fear of shame
pushes me towards a wrong path,
then please correct my course.
And if ever my efforts to obey you
leave me uncertain or afraid,
then please comfort me in my bewilderment.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.