When Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant, what did his religion tell him to do? What did the culture tell him to do? What did scripture tell him to do? What did his own fears, disappointment, anger, sadness tell him to do? All of those voices, opinions, and assumptions were whispering their wisdoms to Joseph. Thankfully, he found a quiet place, and listened deeper, for something more true, and more loving. May we also listen deeper, below the shallow wisdoms around us or in us for the deeper truer forgiving love and loving forgiveness of God.

Rev. Joel L. Tolbert preaching Matthew 1