Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. —Isaiah 40: 30-31
There are so many things in life which we want very much, but when we first think of them, we’re not ready for them. So, we have to wait, prepare ourselves, and pray they will come at last. My name is Joseph. My family prides itself on its descent from our great King David, but glory has gone from our house. My father was the carpenter of Nazareth, a village in Galilee. When he died, his shop came to me. I was the carpenter of Nazareth. What I had wanted and waited for had come and I was ready.
Now, Nazareth is small. It has few families. But at that time another family there traced its line to David also, and Mary was a daughter of that house. She was a lovely girl, my choice to be my bride. Now, as you know, negotiations in these affairs are complicated. It seemed as if I waited forever, but preparations were finally completed. We were betrothed in the time-honored Nazareth style. Marriage would come later, one year later. Till that time, Mary remained with her parents, and I was alone in my shop. I hated to think of a whole year of waiting but wait I must.
There was a bright spot though. Each day I saw her at the well drawing water with her friends. Then one day, she did not come with the others to draw water. Three days went by, and still Mary did not leave her house. I began to worry, afraid she had taken ill. I went to speak with Mary’s father. He was hesitant and distant. Finally, however, after I pressed, he spoke.
Without a word I left him. I could hardly believe what I was told. I sat in my room alone. I tried to think. What could I do? How could we marry now? But how could I expose the woman I loved to shame? There was no answer. At last I slept. In my dream, I saw someone standing at the foot of my bed, someone bathed in a golden light. A quiet voice filled my small room. The words I heard were gentle and reassuring. They told me what I was to do.
When I awoke, I went to Mary’s father a second time. We came to an agreement. The wedding would be small and would take place within a week. Mary and I entered the home that we would share with joy. Here her son would grow up. Here as his earthly father I would keep him safe. Soon he would be born, but still there were months to wait.
Lord Jesus, we long for your coming. The days pass slowly, but we wait with joyful expectation. Come soon. Amen.
Guy Johnson
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