Happy Anniversary, Mary!

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25 ESV). Forty-five years ago at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, I began the most incredible journey imaginable. It has been filled with wonder, awe, and breathtaking joy. That was the time and date that Mary and I stood before family and friends, aided by our pastor, Bailey Stone, and repeated our vows to one another. They were simple and brief, but packed with meaning and commitment. Those of you who are married have exchanged similar promises. You know the phrases: “in sickness and health, in adversity and prosperity, and to be true and loyal so long as you both shall live.” We’ve had all of those from one extreme to the other! And, through the grace of God we have done much more than merely “survive” the years. As we read our text today, I wonder what Joseph may have thought; after all, it took an angel to make him see the plan of God in his marriage to his Mary. It was much easier for me. I saw her and knew from the moment I met her that she was the woman for me. However, there are some similarities that we can notice about both of the decisions, Joseph’s and mine. Like Joseph, I would not have been complete without my Mary. He had second thoughts because of the circumstances. While I had no second thoughts, my Mary did. She knew I was not a Christian at the time. To be committed to a man who would not be able to hear the Spirit of God in his life would have been disastrous. God had a plan for Joseph and a plan for me. Isn’t it amazing how great our God is in the working of that plan for the good of His children? Also, like Joseph, I had no idea what the future would hold. Some of it was very good, and other parts of it were very difficult. We have had those experiences in our life these past forty-five years. Space does not allow me to detail them, but it can be said that out journey has not always been an easy one. As with Joseph, God was more than enough for us in every situation. Isn’t it incredible how God proves His faithfulness every moment of our lives, even when we fail to see it as it happens. And, perhaps greatest of all, like Joseph, God gave me strength in the face of fear. Through failures, challenges in health, joys innumerable, God has always been present with His power o\to overcome any fear. That makes our anniversary so easy to celebrate! I pray you also find that joy in your relationships! Happy Anniversary, Mary!