Advent - Day 18

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene. (Matthew 2:19-23 ESV).

I know beginning with this story is not really an “advent” devotional; however, I hope to show you the principle in our reading today through experiences over the last forty-eight years with my wife, Mary. Today is our anniversary. In some ways these nearly five decades have passed very quickly, though I must be honest and say they have not been without some real challenges. I can say that every one of them makes me want to simply dance with my bride. The picture you see today is one taken at my nephew’s wedding (also in Bryan, Texas) in 2014. I was privileged to officiate that wedding. At the end of the day all of the “older” folks were called to the dance floor. One by one the DJ began to eliminate couples by length of their marriage. Even then Mary and I were the last ones dancing. My sincere hope, which I am committed to work toward, is that at the end of this life we will still be left dancing! December 21, 1969 was a typical Saturday afternoon in Bryan, Texas. It was a day full of surprises even though most of it was very scripted and rehearsed. It is strange that that would become the story of our lives together. It has been full of surprises though carefully scripted by our heavenly Father. I have mentioned before that through the years we have lived in three states, 12 different cities, and 21 different apartments or homes. As you can see we were certainly a “mobile family.” Some of the moves were necessitated by a change in positions. I have been in ministry positions in seven different churches/organizations. Whew! Doesn’t that make you tired? It didn’t for us. In our reading Joseph and Mary moved yet again in the brief years after Jesus’ birth. We hear of no complaint or weariness. There was always a simple obedience to take the next step as God directed them. I certainly don’t want to give you the impression that I am as righteous or wise as Joseph; however, neither Mary nor I complained about any of the changes in our lives. We simply went and explored the next “surprise” of our life. We trusted that God would was directing us and that He would make it right. As I reflect on all those years, I can truly say each one was full and blessed. We have met cherished friends along the way. We have seen God do miraculous things in our journey. From that history comes I have an unshakeable hope that all the remaining years we shall have together shall be the same. God sees to that. So, for all of the blessing I thank my God; and, I thank my wife. Happy Anniversary, Sugar! Let’s go dancing!