The Kitchen Sink
An occasional piece of paper
December 23, 2007
Vol. 10 no. 47

Everything But...
           This is the time of the year when people are getting excited. It is a time of planning. We look forward to - and spend our time - shopping, arranging family get-togethers, going to office parties, taking time off work and anticipating the visit from the jolly old man in the red suit with the big white beard. We try to make certain that everything is organized and that there are no surprises, unless of course they are planned surprises.
           Yet, at this time of year, we encounter something very important, very exciting and very unplanned by the couple who are involved. God has chosen Mary and Joseph to become parents of the Christ. We see that Mary, although surprised, is joyful and excited. Joseph, on the other hand, does not react in quite the same way. Although we never ever hear about what Joseph feels or is thinking, it does not appear that he is quite as joyful. But, no matter what Joseph is thinking, he quietly takes his place with Mary to join in partnership with God in bringing the Christ-child to us.
           Joseph is quiet, caring, and supportive. He is faithful to his new family and to God by doing what is asked of him even though he has no idea where it will all lead. And that is most exciting for us to see - because Joseph became involved in this wondrous drama just by quietly living out his faith. He did not plan his participation in this great event, it just happened. God made it happen. Sometimes the most exciting things in our lives can be those which are unplanned.
           -- Heather Rogers