Week 3: The Third Sunday of Advent | “We can choose a Better Way”

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focal scriptures Matthew 1:18-25 | Isaiah 35:1-10
theme connections
As far as Joseph knows, his new wife has been unfaithful to him and broken their marriage contract. 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.” When have our ancestors also chosen a better way, and when have they not? Isaiah 35 is 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.

Commentary on Matthew 1:18-25 | by Dr. Christine J. Hong
This story always raises a question for me. Why did it take divine intervention for Joseph to choose the better way? It took a vision and a celestial being for Joseph not to abandon his partner. Part of me is frustrated with Joseph. It took the hand of God for him to choose a better way; however, when I reflect upon my frustration, I realize in many ways we are each Joseph. Each day we are faced with opportunities to do and be better in our relationships with one another and the world. Yet, when we are faced with opportunities to put our privilege and power at risk—to do what is right—we often decline to engage. Risk discomforts power.

I wonder about Mary and Joseph’s relationship in the aftermath of the dream. What was in Mary’s heart and on her tongue as Joseph told her about the dream that changed everything? What did Mary’s face look like as Joseph confessed that saving her and the baby took the work of a divine dream and command? I hope he eventually realized that doing right by her shouldn’t have necessitated divine intervention. I hope we might be people who do not need convincing that there is a better way. Let’s choose the better way and risk solidarity with one another.

Guiding Q’s
• Consider what could have happened if Joseph did not choose to heed the angel’s command and take Mary as his wife. What might have happened to Mary and her newborn? Engage your imagination and ponder the other ways the Christmas story could have unfolded had Joseph made a different choice.

• What choices—made by former generations—have you inherited? When have our ancestors chosen the better way, and when have they not? How do we experience the consequences of those actions?

• Recall the stories of Joseph’s ancestors—such as Abraham, Jacob, Boaz, and David—named in Matthew’s genealogy. Imagine how their choices, particularly how they responded (or resisted) God’s intervention in their lives, could have impacted Joseph. How might the choices of Joseph’s ancestors have impacted his decision to choose a better way?

• When have you risked your power and privilege to do the right thing? Or, when have you experienced those with power and privilege evading justice?

• In Isaiah 35, note all the images of transformation occurring in this prophetic vision. The prophet envisions a Holy Way where everything becomes more alert, more joyful, and more vibrant. What choices can we make each day to bring forth God’s Holy Way?