The People of Advent, and the People We’re Becoming
A devotional from Emmanuel Chapel, Methodist Church Nigeria, Ikoyi, Lagos.
“When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.”
— Matthew 1:24
Joseph’s Advent story is one of quiet strength. Unlike Mary, we do not hear Joseph speak. Scripture records no long prayers, no questions, no protests. What we see instead is a man faced with confusion, heartbreak, and reputational risk. A man who chooses obedience anyway.
Joseph was engaged and he had great plans. He was preparing for marriage, for stability, for a future he could explain. Then suddenly, everything changed: the woman he loved was pregnant, and he knew the child was not his. Before the angel ever appeared, Joseph had already decided something important. Scripture tells us he was a righteous man. He chose compassion over exposure, mercy over shame. Even in confusion, Joseph was going to act with integrity. This by itself is an Advent lesson.
Obedience often comes before clarity
When the angel finally spoke, the message did not simplify Joseph’s life. It complicated it further. He was being asked to take Mary as his wife, name the child Jesus (probably a name he wouldn’t have chosen), carry responsibility he did not create and protect a story he did not fully understand. Joseph was not given a detailed explanation, but he was given a direction. And Scripture says simply: “Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” This is faith in action.
Many of us know what that feels like especially at this time of year. Responsibility often arrives uninvited, family needs increase, financial pressures rise, decisions must be made quickly, sometimes without all the information we would like. There are seasons when doing the right thing feels heavier than doing the easy thing. Joseph reminds us that obedience is not always dramatic. Sometimes it is simply choosing to do what is right, quietly, consistently, and faithfully.
Emmanuel — God with us, in responsibility
Joseph’s obedience did not remove risk, it placed him right in the middle of it. However, it also placed him right in the centre of God’s plan. The child Joseph protected would be called Emmanuel — God with us. And yet, before Joseph ever understood the full meaning of that name, he lived it. God was with him in all this seeming confusion, with him in this new found responsibility and with him in the unseen faithfulness of daily obedience. This connects deeply with what we are learning this Advent, that faith is a liberating force.
Obedience frees us from fear, from the need to control outcomes, from the pressure to explain ourselves to everyone. Joseph did not obey because life was easy, he obeyed because he trusted God. And in that obedience, he found peace.
Three lessons from Joseph’s Advent story
1. Choose righteousness before reputation.
Joseph could have protected his image. Instead, he protected Mary. God honours quiet integrity.
2. Obedience does not require full understanding.
Joseph did not see the whole picture. He trusted the God who did.
3. God works powerfully through faithful responsibility.
Joseph never preached, but his obedience shaped history. Sometimes the holiest thing we can do is simply show up and do what God has asked.
A Question for Reflection
Where is God asking you to obey Him this Advent, even though the path is unclear? Is it in how you treat someone? A responsibility you’ve been avoiding? A decision that feels costly? A role that feels heavy? A habit you need to let go of? Joseph reminds us: God’s presence is not absent from difficult obedience. He is right there in it.
A Simple Advent Practice
This week, when faced with a difficult decision, pause and pray:
“Lord, help me to do what is right, even when it is hard.”
Then take the obedient step, not the perfect one, just the faithful one.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Joseph’s quiet strength and steady obedience.
Teach us to trust You when clarity feels distant and responsibility feels heavy.
Give us hearts that choose righteousness over reputation and faith over fear.
Where obedience feels costly, remind us that You are Emmanuel — God with us.
Help us to walk faithfully, knowing that You are working even when we cannot see it.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
