When God Sends in the Angels... Matthew 1:18-25

When God sends the Angels into our lives our plans and our most hopeless situations are well on their way to being transformed.
Case in point: Joseph.
When God sent the Angel's into Joseph's life he was a hurting man. He was pledged to marry young woman and build a life together. Then news came his bride to be was pregnant. Joseph was ready to turn away from their engagement. He could have chosen public disgrace for Mary. Instead he sought a quiet way out. He would leaved Mary and her family with their own troubles. Joseph most likely had reached an uneasy peace. He'd protect his reputation and leave no reason for the crowd to rise up against Mary. He couldn't take away her troubles but he wouldn't add any further to them.
And God sent an angel to Joseph with a greeting
Ιωσὴφ υιὸς Δαυίδ, μὴ φοβηθης
Joseph son of David, no more in fear
The greeting was more than a empty gesture or perfunctury words. It was a declaration of God's intent. Joseph had a reason for peace and hope and faith deep in his sould. Joseph heard the voice. God's plans were announced and now he saw the direction God had for his life, "...for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 1:20 KJV.
The angel did more than just tell him to remain calm. The angel gave him a reason to be calm. The angle spoke of God's activity. Trusting in the angel's words Joseph needed no more convincing.
The loose ends were still there but now after a vision of the Angel Joseph saw a reason and a new hope. The whispered talk of shame and guilt were still there; but now Joseph had a reason; a promise from God. This child was coming as part of God's plan.
There's hope in Christmas for all of us. Hope that trusting in God and turning our lives over to God will mean we have a place in God's plans. There are no promises of a perfect life; but there is a promise that God is with us through to the very end.