A SAVIOR BORN INTO CONFLICT

When we read the Christmas story as told in the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, we see a young, poor couple whose world is thrust into conflict. What better way to start a marriage than for those closest to them to question their morals and devotion to God, all while enduring the strain of local and Roman political oppression?

Mary was God’s chosen virgin to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, which reads, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him ‘Immanuel.’”  Imagine how her loved ones, neighbors, and community might have reacted. Would they believe her miraculous story, or dismiss her as dishonorable?

Joseph, likely a young man in his late teens, was chosen by God to father a child not his own. Culturally and legally, he had every right to divorce Mary but chose not to, despite the social and personal rejection this decision might have caused.

The Gospels tell us Nazareth rejected Jesus (Matthew 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-6; Luke 4:14-30; John 4:44). If the townspeople rejected Him, what must they have thought of Mary and Joseph? God’s will brought this couple into a world of rejection from their closest social circles.

Beyond cultural and social rejection, political oppression forced Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem for a census and then to flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath (Matthew 2:13-18). These early challenges strengthened their marriage and prepared them to raise the Son of the Most High God. Without family or friends to support them, they learned to depend on each other and keep God central in their marriage.

The Holy Family’s story wasn’t one of prosperity or ease. It was marked by sacrifice, hardship, rejection, and perseverance. This mirrors the gospel message itself and serves as a reminder that following God’s will often brings conflict—but this conflict can strengthen our relationships with Christ and those He places in our lives.

Conflict is not meant to tear us down but to bring us closer to Christ and strengthen relationships ordained by Him.

Embrace the conflicts and hardship that 2025 brings and trust God to grow you closer to Him and to those you influence.

Merry Christmas!

Jordan