Am I ready? (Part III)

Being ready for Christmas means that our hearts will be ready, both to welcome our Savior and to tell others about His love. It means that our attitudes will be right . . . 

Joseph teaches us to accept God's will, even when it's really tough to do so. He also teaches us to care about other people.

Joseph's "assignment," if we call it that, was pretty simple. It's revealed in the way we portray him in our Christmas pageants, and in the way he is posed as a character in nativities. 

We've all seen them.

There is Mary, her new-mother's face radiant with love in spite of her weariness. Over on the side are the excited shepherds, telling anybody who will listen about their hillside visit from the angels. Right or wrong, most scenes have the wise men in attendance, too, with solemn looks, royal robes, and extravagant, kingly gifts. In the midst of all is the manger of wood or stone, full of fragrant hay - and there, wrapped in clean cloths, is a Baby. A Savior. Our Redeemer. Somewhere in the background or on the side stands Joseph. His is not a starring role, but it's SO VERY important. If he'd received a memo, it would have read, "Take care of Mary and the baby Jesus." 

His was the important role of caring for the needs of others. 

Christmas comes once a year, and this season probably causes us to be more giving, and more sensitive to the needs of others. Sometimes there is so much that needs to be done that we find ourselves overwhelmed, or even frustrated. 
But still we try.

The Old Testament scriptures exhort us:

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
    and he will reward them for what they have done. (Proverbs 19:17, NIV)

therefore I am commanding you, saying, ‘You shall fully open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’ (Deuteronomy 15:11b, NASB) 

And in the New Testament, too:

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

Are there people in our family who need our compassion?

Are there people in our community who need help?

Are there any in our church family that need a helping hand, a voice of cheer and caring?

Christmas came because Joseph listened to the angel, and accepted the will of God. And then he showed his caring attitude toward others. He took care of their needs. When we learn to care about others, our hearts will be ready for Christmas!