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Reflections Are we there yet? We have journeyed for 4 weeks during this advent period. We have had time to reflect on the coming of our Savior and we have had time to prepare for his coming. We have called family and friends to make plans for this coming holyday. We have done some shopping, wrapped gifts, we have decorated our houses, we have made plan for what we are going to eat on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. As a child, I remember Christmas was the period I could get toys and we could eat delicious food and wear new clothes and shoes. Christmas used to be a time where our dreams and hope could come true. It was a time where we go to church to sing Christmas songs, watch the movie about the birth of Jesus, it was a time to move around in the neighborhood showing of new clothes and new toys. I never had time to reflect on what was going through Joseph’s mind when he first heard that his fiancée was pregnant. All that was important was to receive a new toy, new clothes and shoes, and eat delicious meal. As a grownup man I have started asking myself what was Joseph’s first reaction to Mary’s new about her pregnancy. Have you ever reflect on what was going through Joseph’s mind when Mary announced that she was pregnant? I do appreciate Rev. Dr. Joe Pennel reflection on what makes a real Christmas. He says, “What makes a real Christmas must be found in human history. This is what Joseph did. And in a very real sense, it was the theology of Joseph which made possible the first Christmas. If Joseph had not cooperated with God’s plan in human history, the birth of Jesus would have been quite different.” God’s plan for redemption does include humanity and Joseph had played his part and it is up to us to play our part in the divine redemptive plan. Merry Christmas! —Pastor Kalaba