I Wonder
Approaching the Christmas story with curiosity and a holy imagination.
Setting the Scene: Joseph
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upporting characters are often unsung heroes. If not for their presence in a story or film, plots and events would have significantly different outcomes. Those in supporting roles can have tremendous influence on how what unfolds takes place. While not the lead, the power of actors in supporting roles can change the trajectory of the story we become immersed in—even more so because of their commitment to be faithful to the character they portray, and the part they play in moving the story forward. Star Wars just wouldn’t have been the same without Han Solo. Nor The Dark Knight without the Joker. What if Samwise Gamgee hadn’t journeyed to Mordor with Frodo? Would Frodo have been able to bear the weight of the ring and burden he carried? Which makes me wonder, what about Joseph? What about the supporting role he played in the far greater story that we now celebrate and find ourselves in—the Christ-centred story of God’s incarnate visit?
Casting call: Incarnation
Incarnation is an epic drama feature about the God of Ages who becomes man to save the world he created and loves through giving himself in the ultimate sacrifice. Setting: First-century Judea. Character in supporting role: Male, Galilean, Judean. Righteous. Of humble origins. Prepared to take a wife under scandalous circumstances. Patient. Willing to risk reputation. Open to sleep interruption. Trusting. Obedient. Available to uproot. Limited screen time.
14 December 2021 Salvationist
And Joseph responds. He gets the part. It’s not central. But it is crucial. I wonder, did he realize the cost it would entail? He, no doubt, dreamed of the day when God’s redemption would draw near. But when his dreams—now angelic messages— instructed him to take action he never would have imagined on his own, what gave him courage to respond immediately, in an attitude of “not my will, but yours”? “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him” (Matthew 1:24). When he pledged himself to Mary in her innocence and purity, did his commitment to present her without blemish put a blot on his own reputation as well? Did the grace he gave bring disgrace to himself? I wonder, when Joseph made his own announcement of “Unto us a child is born!”—knowing that God was indeed “with us”—did he ask himself how he would ever fill the role of being “abba” to “the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace”? I wonder, how many times did he and Mary retell the stories to “their” firstborn? I wonder, as Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, being about his Father’s business, in what ways was he also following his father’s example? I wonder, what if we answer our casting call the way Joseph did? What non-central, but nonetheless crucial, supporting role might we play in the unfolding of God’s redemptive story in our world today? How might we be called to step out in obedient faith? I wonder, will we be ready, realizing that the role we play in God’s story is not nearly as much about us as it is about him? Kevin Slous is the territorial secretary for spiritual life development.
Illustrations: Brightside Creative/Lightstock.com; kontur-vid/stock.Adobe.com
BY KEVIN SLOUS
