Anticipation or Shattered Expectations

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

To read the whole account of the angel appearing to Joseph, click here: Matthew 1:18-25

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

Isn’t the Christmas season so often wrapped in anticipation?

We find ourselves looking forward to the joys the holidays may bring. Yet, for some, this time of year stirs up memories of loss or loneliness. The festivities can serve as a painful reminder of what’s missing. It may leave us feeling as though all our past expectations have been shattered, making it hard to hope for joy again.

I am sure Joseph, who was betrothed to Mary, could relate. In those days, betrothal lasted a full year—a period during which the groom-to-be worked tirelessly to prepare a home for his future wife. In ancient Jewish culture, betrothal was a binding agreement, nearly as significant as marriage itself, and could only be broken by a formal divorce. Joseph’s anticipation must have been intense as he eagerly awaited the day he could bring Mary home as his wife.

But then came the news that shattered his expectations. Mary told him she was pregnant. Joseph’s heart pounded in his chest as he tried to grasp the meaning behind her confession. Was everything he believed about Mary a lie? How could she do such a thing? And then, as if the moment wasn’t surreal enough, Mary insisted she had not betrayed him. She softly explained that what was growing in her womb was conceived by God Himself. Joseph searched her face for answers, struggling to reconcile the love he felt with the confusion and pain twisting inside him.

In his disillusionment, Joseph considered what to do next. He could have broken their vows and made a public spectacle of Mary. But because he loved her and revered God, he decided to “put her away quietly.”

In the midst of his confusion, a miracle happens. Did you hear that? Right in the middle of his dashed hopes, in the thick of his broken dreams, God’s design unfolds. The angel speaks directly to Joseph:

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because he will save His people from their sins.”

In that moment, God invited Joseph to a glimpse of His bigger plan.

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 

Long anticipation turned to shattered expectations. The outcome was the magnification of God’s plan!  

What about you? Where in your life have you waited in eager anticipation? Where have you felt the crushing blow of shattered expectations? It's easy to get stuck here.

But now, ask yourself, how is God leading you to realign where your hope is set? Where is He inviting you to witness the magnification of His greater plan?

Without anticipation there are no expectations. Without shattered expectations – our vision remains small. God’s greatest miracle began small, in the embryo of a child in a virgin’s womb. This child, God’s only Son, is God with us - Immanuel. His love so vast, so infinite, so divine was wrapped in Mary's womb and in Joseph's wonder.

When our sight is incomplete, may He lead us to seek the infinite wonder of His Divine Plan - to rescue the world.

Prayer – Jesus, I confess that I often get caught up in staring at my own shattered expectation. Lead me today to lean into seeking more of You and Your magnificent plan.

Continue your prayer through the words of this song: Magnify - by We are Messengers