I am a Jesus pusher!!! Joseph is in a moral dilemma. His situation is turned upside down. The marriage plans are ruined. Embarrassment comes crushing into his friendships. He has to make decisions about issues he should never experience. God confronts his theology. He is a just man. This means he does what he is required by the Old Testament law and ceremonies. He comes to a conclusion about Mary. He cannot possibly marry her because that would be an admission that he is the father of her child when he is not. He cannot participate in her sin. According to Jewish law, he should escort her to the magistrates at the city gates. They will pronounce the verdict of guilty; she will be stoned to death. But he just cannot bring himself to do such a thing. Jesus has disrupted his traditions.
I quickly establish my religious traditions. I set certain times when I go to church; I pray routinely at set times. I establish a pattern for reading the Bible. I am comfortable in my traditions. But it is Christmas! Jesus is born in the midst of my traditions. His presence creates unusual dilemmas not answered by my traditions. He goes beyond my set patterns and calls me to His life! Will I let Him be born in me this Christmas? I am a Jesus pusher!!!