What the Angel Said to Joseph
a new version of the Christmas Story
Rev. Ted Tollefson
- revted9@earthlink.net
©December 2, 2007 @ UU Society of River Falls
We are told that Joseph, betrothed to Mary, is a carpenter.
Measure twice, cut once. Straight lines and right angles.
Not much inclined to talk with Angels or be visited by the
miraculous. Yet we are told that Joseph, like Mary, was
visited by Angels: voices of intuition, messengers of our Higher
Nature. And what did the Angels say to Joseph?
Four words: fear not! behold! rise up! rejoice!
Together they form a mantra to remind us of what it takes to be
on the side of the Creative Process.
Fear Not! In order to
experience something new, we need to loosen the grip of old fears and
old ways of thinking and feeling. Joseph is told that his
virginal bride to be is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Right.
Fears keep us boxed into a world of self-imposed limits and
constant threats. Fears harden the heart, quicken the pulse, and
close down the mind. What would you dare to imagine now if you
were no longer limited by your fears?
Behold! Open your eyes
and ears to the unexpected. Open your heart and mind to the song
of the universe. Open yourself to the possibility that you too
are part of the Song of Creation. There are children waiting to
be born, new ideas awaiting incarnation. Behold!
Rise Up! Sometimes
thinking and feeling anew require embodied action. In the
case of Joseph, he is urged to take flight to Egypt and to avoid
Herod's armies of the night. The call in our time may be
different. What is required of us to make room for
Shalom----peace with justice---in our time? What journey must we
undertake to a world of peace and plenty for all?
Rejoice! When something
new is born despite all odds, we are called to rejoice, be glad and
savor the sweetness of new life. Holding a child, crafting a pot,
planting a garden, shaping a clear intent are evidence that the gift of
creation goes on in us and around us.
Christmas calls us to aid and abet the music of Creation.
Fear Not! Behold! Rise up! Rejoice!
May this creative Light shine through us now and into the dark corners of our world.
May this creative Joy prove contagious.
May our days and nights be lifted up in song.
Rev. Ted Tollefson
Blessed are the peace-makers