by Rebekah Harvey

In this past week’s first Christmas message titled, “More About the Virgin Birth” we learned about the honor shame culture of ancient Jews before and since the time of the birth of the Savior Jesus. This middle eastern culture would control the behavior of individuals knowing that inappropriate actions could bring a stain of shame on themselves, their families and communities. Believe it or not, we here in the west have had a bit of experience with this as well, we just call it the “cancel culture”.

Maybe you have endured this yourself, you have been canceled by family, friends or coworkers for your views or stances on culturally debated hot button issues. The reasons that we would be willing to risk being “canceled” can vary greatly. I must say that I am so grateful that a middle eastern couple was willing to be shamed, or canceled for what was considered scandalous circumstances of an unplanned pregnancy. The following verses explain their dilemma…

Matthew 1:18 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

The words from the angel of the Lord gave Joseph the strength and courage he needed to keep Mary as his wife and raise the Child she would bear as his own. Joseph and Mary would “choose the shame” of their community, they were willing to endure cancellation because they understood something far greater than any human shame or honor would come from their choice to protect their union and this Child.

As I was thinking about this message it brought to mind these verses,

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

As we navigate through this Christmas season may we keep in mind those that have gone before us and endured far more than we can understand. May we be encouraged by their choice to honor God with their decisions even when those decisions brought earthly shame to them. We can “run this race” of life knowing that Jesus and so many other great men and women of faith are cheering us on to finish strong!