the intermezzo

​This time of year always feels a bit like limbo, floating somewhere between Christmas and New Year’s, not sure what day it is and whether to finish leftovers or cook a new meal. As our Hearth member, Jeff, would call it - The Intermezzo. It is during this time that I consider Mary and Joseph’s Intermezzo with Jesus. What was their experience like after the excitement faded? After the whirlwind of birthing a baby in a stable and entertaining visitors near and far? What was it like being left with a newborn baby without the normal support of an extended family helping them navigate this new phase of life? I imagine it was a bit disorienting and they were also not quite sure what day it was or where they were getting their next meal. 

Faith is a powerful thing, and Mary and Joseph survived this Intermezzo because of it. Through faith, they protected Jesus from a tyrant’s infanticide. Through faith, they brought Jesus to the temple to be circumcised and named. Through faith, Simeon and Anna were given the opportunity to see God’s salvation, bask in the light of revelation to the Gentiles, and witness the glory of Israel (Luke 2). Through faith, Mary and Joseph trusted the God who always keeps His promises, and they continued to share Jesus with the world, even when it was incredibly dangerous to do so.

During this Intermezzo, let us remember the faith of Mary and Joseph and the ways they shared the Light of Salvation with the world. Let us remember that we are also called to share the Good News that our God is alive and loose in the world, making all things new and loving us all into salvation. May we never miss an opportunity to share God with the world in the ways we feed and clothe our neighbor, strive for peace, and advocate for justice.