We Can Choose a Better Way
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Ben Harper sings these powerful lyrics in the song Better Way,
What good is a man who won't take a stand?
What good is a cynic with no better plan.
I believe in a better way. I believe in a better way.
They could certainly apply to Joseph the morning after God came to him in a dream. As far as Joseph knows, his new wife, Mary, has been unfaithful to him and broken their marriage contract (Matthew 1:18 – 25). And yet, instead of punishment, he chooses not to publicly disgrace or humiliate her. This interruption in his life becomes a holy invitation when the angel comes to him in a dream and says, “Do not be afraid.” When he awakes, Joseph once again has the courage to choose a better way. He chooses to stay with Mary, to become an adoptive parent. He chooses peace over violence, grace over condemnation. Like Mary, he chooses to say “yes” to God’s better way.
During the season of Advent, we are reminded in worship that no matter how dark the day may seem when we turn in for the night, we orient ourselves towards the light that is coming. A new day is dawning, hope is on the way, and his name is Jesus, Emmanuel! God is with us and invites us to work towards a better way. We can take stock of those who have come before, and we can bring our imagination to what is possible in the future. This is holy work, and it is important for each of us to help others see that hope exists. For without faith in God, how easy it is to slide into skepticism and feeling overwhelmed by the troubles of this life?
The prophet Isaiah paints a vision of what happens when we choose a better way: the wilderness blooms, water breaks forth in the desert, eyes are opened, ears are unstopped, sorrow and sadness flee away. A highway shall appear, and it will become a holy way. In Isaiah 35, we see all the images of transformation occurring in this prophetic vision. We are inspired to imagine a better way too. The prophet envisions a Holy Way where everything becomes more alert, more joyful, and more vibrant.
PONDER:
• When have your ancestors also chosen a better way, and when have they not?
• What choices can we make each day to bring forth God’s Holy Way?
READ:
PRAY:
Loving and Gracious God,
This Advent, we turn our hearts to the promises found in Your Word. We are reminded of the hope and joy that come with the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Just as the prophet Isaiah speaks of the desert blossoming and the wilderness rejoicing, we too long for the renewal and restoration that only You can bring.
Lord, we pray for strength and courage as we journey through this season. May weak hands be strengthened, feeble knees be made firm, and fearful hearts be filled with Your peace and assurance, knowing that You are with us.
We ask for Your healing touch upon those who are suffering, that the eyes of the blind may be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, and the lame leap like a deer. May Your living waters flow through the dry and barren places in our lives, bringing refreshment and new life.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, help us to reflect on the joy and gladness that come from Your salvation. May our sorrow flee and be replaced with everlasting joy.
Guide us, O Lord, as we seek to walk in Your ways and share Your love with others so that as a community, we may discover a better way that is marked by deepening faith, renewed hope, and boundless love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.