Lessons families can pick from the birth of Jesus Christ
By Dickson Tumuramye
The bible does not mention anywhere that he was angry at Mary and decided to harm or embarrass her. His intention was to swallow his disenchantment and not to disgrace Mary publicly. But as we know that God’s ways and thoughts are far beyond our own (Isaiah 55:8), He sent an Angel, who appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife because the child she was carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit’’ (Matthew 1:20).
Love according to God
Some couples come together when they have little knowledge about each other but risk getting married. They are simply inspired by the love between them. Love does not grow in a single day; it’s a process depending on how each lover is involved with each other concerning their future. Love always covers a multitude of sins, it is patient and kind, does not envy or boast, not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful. If Joseph confronted Mary and quarreled with her, maybe it would be a different story, but he planned to break up with her quietly. When God’s Angel told him to continue with the engagement, he did not find it hard because he knew if God had said it, then it would be true that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit. If you feel you should confront your child or spouse for any reason, let it be done with confrontational and unconditional love. Love your family than anything else.
Understanding each other
This story of Joseph and Mary teaches us to realize that marriage and love are issues of two people understanding each other. Many people may judge you depending on their perception concerning your engagement or marriage. Rumour mongering is part of life and it causes tension between parties, but when you get to understand your partner, know his strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, love language, and personality, it helps you to develop an intimate relationship. Regardless of the public gossip, Joseph treated Mary with a lot of understanding and did not leave her publicly.
Commitment
The journey of commitment throughout your marriage life should be committed to God. It is a reason the Angel came and comforted Joseph in his displeasure with Mary. Many are the challenges we encounter in a marriage/family relationship but when Christ is at the centre of it, things will always flow and life becomes better. When Hannah was being mocked by her co-wife, she never ran away from Elkanah or never searched for a child from another man as some spouses do when barrenness is a challenge in their marriage. Some out of impatience choose to get children out of wedlock. But Hannah buried her misery in the Lord and sought her child from Him (1 Samuel 1:9-11). It may take long to pray and get an answer, but the grace of God is always sufficient for us. Keep connected to God and commit all your burdens, marriage, spouse, children, etc to Him, He will fight for you.
Trust your partner
Trust sometimes never comes easily when you are frustrated, but where it is, a strong relationship grows. If Joseph mistrusted what God told him, he would have missed the opportunity of having a world’s Saviour, son of God born in his house. When he chose to believe the word of God and trust Mary, his life never remained the same. Marriage may not be a garden of roses, a straight path but where you choose to trust each other at a family level; it reduces tension brought by any challenges. My wife travels a lot because of her nature of work that even during total lockdowns; she would go to the field for days to work. We trust each other and that gives us peace of mind and reduces the suspicion.
Trust in God
Mary and Joseph did not question God about conceiving by the Holy Spirit, they simply trusted what He had said without doubt. Mary said, “let it be as you have said” (Luke 1:38)., meaning she knew God never makes mistakes. Leaning on God’s way and word leads us to enjoy the fruits of His kingdom, even when the public does not understand. As long as God has led you to do something as a couple, you need to ignore what the public says and follow His word. What does the birth of the Saviour change about your life, marriage/family, and love for mankind? What comes into your mind? I pray that you reflect on the relationship between Joseph and Mary throughout your Christmas. If you have marriage challenges, ask yourself what the Angel would tell you and how you would react. Use this Christmas to reconcile with another other and live happily.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2022!
The writer is a child advocate, parenting coach, marriage counselor & founder - Men of Purpose mentorship programme.
Follow more articles on:
#facebook/Dickson Tumuramye
#twitter @Tumudick
#email: tumudickson@gmail.com
-------------------------------------
Dickson Tumuramye is also a motivational speaker on:
#Positive parenting
#Marriage and family
#Child counseling
#Career guidance
Comments
Post a Comment