“But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.'” (Matthew 1:20, New American Standard Version)
As we stand now only a couple of days before the beginning of a new year, with all of its possibilities, we are also confronted with fear.
This was the case, time and again, in the scriptures: God presents new opportunities, but only the obstacles as seen. The obstacles, whatever they may be, are real. The risks, whatever they may be, are real. The work, whatever it is, is real.
In today’s scripture passage, Joseph had reason to fear — until he considered God’s role in his situation. As we consider what awaits each of us in the coming year, do we weigh the apparent problems as bigger, stronger, and more persistent than the omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient One who is leading us? – Luther
