Advent Reflections: The Faith of Mary and Joseph

On the official “Breedlove Advent wreath,” the second candle symbolizes the faith of Mary and Joseph. The word “faith” likely brings to mind certain familiar phrases from the Bible, like “we walk by faith, not by sight” (II Cor. 5:7) or “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1).

Familiar verses pose a certain danger. The beautiful verse, by virtue of its frequent use, becomes a platitude, easily ignored even as it sits in plain sight, inscribed on coffee cups and t-shirts. The answer to the familiar becoming a platitude is to slow down, and wrestle in the presence of God with his word. Is it really true that “whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23)? How can I learn to do the dishes from a posture of faith?

Another danger—not about platitudes, but instead about our understanding of faith—exists in our culture. Many people, even many Christians, talk about faith as if faith itself (instead of what the faith is in), is what matters. For many, “having faith” is more or less synonymous with “I believe things will work.” “You just need to have faith” is a flimsy sentiment (things don’t always work out!), but the real danger is that the object of faith is mistaken. A desired outcome has taken the place of God.

Mary and Joseph help us here. Their faith is strong and beautiful, the sort of faith we all should have, but what makes it worth emulating isn’t primarily its strength. Instead, it is what they directed their faith towards. They were willing to step into a situation of incredible uncertainty, where being misunderstood and rejected by friends and family was highly likely. Mary would forever be branded as unfaithful to Joseph, and Joseph as weak. What is more, Simeon told Mary, “a sword will pierce through your own soul,” hardly words that might inspire the faith equals things will work out in the end posture of our culture.

Mary and Joseph’s faith should be emulated simply because it was directed towards God himself. They were willing to bank everything on him, regardless of the outcome of the situation. This is what Biblical faith is, not platitudinous optimism. When Hebrews 11 speaks of faith, it is describing people willing to take God at his word, whether they receive his promises in this life or the next. The “I am banking everything on him” posture is what pleases God (Heb. 11:6), even if it is coupled with “and I have no idea how or when this will work out.”

God’s word is trustworthy. His character is trustworthy. He is the only one faithful enough to warrant our faith. This week, as we await the celebration of Jesus’ first advent and the arrival of his second, bank on God. He will not fail you, even if you pass through a period of uncertainty like Mary and Joseph.

Steven+