The story is told about a little boy who looked worried when he came home from school. When asked by his Dad why, he said: “We have a Christmas play tomorrow, and I am supposed to be Joseph. But I am not good at speaking.” His Dad said: “Don’t worry, son. Joseph is the silent one. He has no speaking part.”
In the Gospel of Matthew 1:18-24, we hear of the unconditional obedience of two people who made Christmas happen–Joseph and Mary. They had many doubts and fears when they were told of God’s incredible plan, but, in faith, they obeyed. Their “yes” to the Father’s divine will was total and unconditional. Against all odds, against all human logic, they just believed.
Joseph accepted his difficult role to become the foster father of Jesus. He could not understand, but he listened, trusted, and obeyed. Joseph listened to the voice of God in the silence. He trusted in God’s plan for his life.
In the Gospel of Luke 1: 26-38, we hear how the “yes” of a simple woman made the first Christmas happen. She could have said “no.” She could have said, “Maybe.” As Mary listened to Angel Gabriel, she became aware of God’s presence. She answered, “I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled.” Mary’s heart was submissive. She said yes to a call from God, with a purpose beyond what she could have imagined.
The first Christmas was a “Mary Christmas.” It was simple, austere, and quiet, but also full of love, joy, hope, and peace. Mary accepted the lowly manger as a crib for her Son. She did not complain or blame anyone. The Blessed Mother was focused on the Child Jesus, which is why she could transcend the poverty and uncertainty surrounding the Savior’s birth.
Through Joseph and Mary, we see the deep faith of God in us, His creatures. He allowed His divine plan to be conditioned by the response of two human beings. Christmas is an affirmation of God’s belief in human goodness, and His confidence in us as partners in His work of salvation. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16).
How deep is our faith, our belief in the Lord, our God? Joseph and Mary can be our modern-day role models. Mary’s “yes” and Joseph’s “yes” to God’s divine plan can inspire us to respond to God’s call in our lives. When we say “Yes, Lord,” He invites us to do something extraordinary, out of love, even if we are just ordinary persons.
