SAT-7 UK Advent Prayer Day 12

DECEMBER 12

JOSEPH’S SILENCE

BIBLE STUDY

Read / Listen to Matthew 1:18-25

Silence can feel pointless, empty and sometimes

inescapable. But, as we learn throughout the

Bible, God is often in the silence as a “still small

voice” (1 Kings 19:12). In the story of Jesus’

birth, Joseph is silent; we never hear him speak

in the Gospels, but his actions speak louder than

words.

Joseph wants to live in accordance with God’s

law but his situation becomes complex. His wife

is pregnant and it’s not by him so he decides to

quietly divorce her. Here, Joseph could have

made a real noise about the situation he finds

himself in, publicly divorce Mary and shame

her. But out of his love for her and reverence

for God, he considers the matter quietly and

carefully. In Joseph’s turmoil, we discover that

he goes into the deepest silence: he sleeps. As

Joseph drifts off, God speaks to him in a dream

and his heart is ready for God to show him what

he has in store through the birth of Jesus.

When Joseph wakes his response is compelling.

He acts and serves God through his commitment

to Mary and Jesus. Joseph reminds us of those

in situations that seem hopelessly complex and

impossible, unable to speak out, get help or

escape. But God’s purpose is fulfilled through

one silent, willing man.

REFLECTION

QUESTIONS

1

Joseph is an honorable man but he

finds himself in a scandalous situation.

How do you think he felt about what

was happening?

2

Joseph becomes silent through his

troubling situation. When has God

spoken clarity to you at a time when

you felt confused or uncertain about

something that was happening?

3

At this busy Advent time, how could

you set aside some time to be silent

and ready your heart to hear from

God?

PRAY

Father God, speak to those who are silent

today, overwhelmed by their situation. Men

and women across the MENA region much

like Joseph: poor, oppressed, unable to speak

up. We ask that you reveal your purposes

to them and raise up your children to serve

you whole-heartedly, through your son Jesus,

today. Amen.