Stations of the Manger 5

Stations of the Manger 5. The Angel Visits Joseph

Third Sunday in Advent

Nativity Scene: Another angel can be added to the scene.

Scripture: (Matt. 1:18-25)
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to divorce her privately. But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary your wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a son; and you shall call his name Jesus; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins. Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel; which is, being interpreted, God is with us. And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name Jesus.

Reflection: On the prompting of an angel, Joseph accepted Mary even though she would have been rejected by society for her “condition.” How often do we impose society’s standards on who is “acceptable” and who is not? Let us all try to look beyond someone’s “condition” and see Christ’s goodness in his or her heart. Let us begin healing our ills by accepting the diversity and variety we find in the people around us.

Prayer: Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Hymn(s): Breath of Heaven

Response: Examine your heart and see what unfair prejudices, attachments or biases still cling there. See them for what they really are and for how much hurt they can cause you and others. When you bring them into the Light, they will begin to shrink away. Know that every person, regardless of how they appear on the outside or however they behave, is actually a child of God.

Blessings,

Brother D-J