The Controversial Birth

The Controversial Birth

By Apostle Felix

18  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Matthew 1: 18, 19

Jesus’ birth was a controversy. It was looked at as a scandal. A honesty, sincere virgin, who had kept herself from youthful lust was found pregnant by an unknown man. Mary’s parents were disgraced when they discovered that she was pregnant before she was given in marriage. In those days,such a behaviour carried harsh and severe cultural consequences. Mary was aware of the consequences and it was not easy to explain herself out. Who would have believed her story that she got pregnant without a man. Even, Joseph did not believe her story. I believe she told him what had happened to her but yet he planned to end the relationship amicably.

The neighbours were gossiping and whispered ever time she passed by. It was not so easy for Mary to just walk around in the village. Girls of her age, especially were laughing and mocking her. Her parents, too were interrogating her about this mysterious pregnancy, day after day. It was not easy for Mary. Jesus’ birth was shrouded in controversies. Mary’s heart was blown apart when she noticed Joseph’s withdrawal. The young lady was avoided and left to fend for herself.

20  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1: 20

But God did not forget about her. He is always faithful with His own. People may leave and reject you but your Father cannot. You will be hated for responding to God’s call and doing what the Lord has called you to do. The callings of God are usually full of controversies. The call may not make sense to others, in fact it may attract misunderstandings. God intervened in Mary’s affair and spoke to Joseph to marry her. It is not always that should you go about explaining yourself to people to understand you. Just leave it to God and He will do it better. He knows how to vindicate His children.

6  He will appear as your righteousness, as sure as the dawning of a new day. He will manifest as your justice, as sure and strong as the noonday sun.
7  Quiet your heart in his presence and pray; keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you. And don’t think for a moment that the wicked in their prosperity are better off than you. 

Psalm 37: 6, 7

Your life may be shrouded in controversies and you may not even know how to explain yourself out. Probably your reputation has been been tarnished and you have become a mockery. You were once celebrated but you have become a laughingstock. Sometimes, it is because of the path you have decided to take. Heeding to the voice of God may sometimes result in mockery. May be you just said, ‘Let it be according to your word’, and that response has set hell lose against you. It’s normal. Do not despair. Mary, the mother of Jesus went through it as well. However, through her came the man who took the sins of the world. She did not abort her pregnancy. She did not commit suicide or become resentful. She knew what she was carrying and purposed to carry the Christ until the last. We are celebrating the birth of Christ because one young lady had decided not to give up against all odds. It does not matter who is against you and who does not understand you. Your God does.