An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said:
“Do not fear taking Mary as your wife, for it is through the Holy Spirit
 that she has conceived a son you are to name Jesus.”

From Matthew 1:20-24

Some Ideas to Contemplate:

• In this passage from the story of Jesus’s birth by the Gospel Writer called Matthew, an angel of God (Higher Power, Supreme Divine Energy, etc.) assuages Joseph’s fears about Mary’s pregnancy.  Although Joseph believed he was facing an obstacle, the angel (Joseph’s intuition) reveals that the seeming obstacle is merely a stepping stone to greater good, his recognition of the Christ, our divine soul essence.

• Rev Alice Ritchie encourages us to stop believing in an obstacle’s power to hinder us.  Instead, we are to let the Law of Love ensure perfect results.  This means we do not have to figure everything out for ourselves with our intellect.  We can trust our inner wisdom and let love guide us.

• Love, both a positive emotion and a positive action, is an element of Advent, the contemplative season that prepares us for Christmas.  The love that Jesus, Master Mystic, Healer, Teacher, and Wayshower, represents is agape love.  This love is the energy of unconditional goodwill for everyone and the belief that goodwill can prevail in our lives.

• Love does not deny that conflicts or disagreements may occur, though it knows that condemnation and judgment are obstacles.  Furthermore, love does not require that we like other people or condone their behavior.  Rather, love guides us to see others as divine and to treat them with lovingkindness.

Practices for the Week:

• Set an intention to see beyond any obstacle(s) you face.
• Notice when you are judging or condemning yourself or someone else.
• Illustrate, journal, and/or record the ways your intuition and loving consciousness (mindset) guide you.

You are a spiritual being with a radiant soul, living in a sacred body temple, having human experiences.  Remember: When you choose to love, you are not basing your behavior on what others say or do.  Neither are you seeking results or accolades.  You are focusing your energy on how you want to be.  You are loving because of who you are.

© 2025 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.   Photo from Shutterstock by AgataEs.