What comes to mind when you think of the Christmas story? Maybe it’s a peaceful nativity scene — a “silent night.” But Mary and Joseph’s entire world was likely anything but peaceful and calm.

In the months leading up to the birth of Christ, everyone in the Christmas story faced an uncertain future. As the soon-to-be father of Jesus, Joseph’s life must have felt overwhelming. Like Mary, he faced a choice when he heard the news of Christ’s coming through his betrothed: Would he respond in fear or in trust?

We all face similar choices when we go through hard seasons: How will we respond to God’s prompting in our lives? How will we live in light of eternity through present struggles?

Through the gift of God’s Word, we are able to know and be in relationship with our Creator. The Bible leads us to Him. Without access to Scripture, we wouldn’t be able to draw near to the hope God’s promises bring or relate to the courage of people like Joseph in our own seasons of uncertainty. That’s why Bible translation is so important: God’s Word equips us with truth, comfort and courage in hard times.

Joseph’s Change of Plans

Joseph was in a difficult situation, but he had a plan: He intended to quietly end his engagement to avoid public shame after learning of Mary’s pregnancy.

But as he wrestled with what to do, an angel appeared in a dream, saying: “Joseph, son of David … do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20b-c, NLT).

The angel reassured him that God was at work: Mary would have a son and Joseph was to name Him “Jesus” because “… he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21b, NLT). That must have been a shocking revelation during an already unsettling dream. But when Joseph woke, he obeyed the angel and took Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:24).

Joseph’s story teaches us powerful lessons in obedience, courage and faith:

• Joseph desired to act with kindness and dignity — When faced with what seemed like betrayal, Joseph planned to end the engagement quietly to protect Mary (Matthew 1:19). Instead of shaming her, he planned to choose compassion. While we can’t always control our circumstances, we can choose how we respond to them.


• Joseph faced real fear with courage — While angels often told people not to fear their presence, the angel told Joseph not to fear taking Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20). Joseph likely was afraid of public humiliation and rejection, but God met him in the midst of that fear. In life, there will be things that are frightening, but we can trust God to carry us through them just as Joseph did.


• Joseph had faith in the unbelievable — Trusting that Mary’s pregnancy was by the Holy Spirit must have felt impossible. Yet, Joseph chose faith in God’s message over the opinions of others. He likely risked his reputation and relationships to do as the angel said.

Like Joseph, we may face fear, rejection or loss when we follow God’s calling for our lives. But when our life is uncertain, we can cling to the hope found in Jesus Christ as we draw near to Him through Scripture.

Facing Uncertainty by Putting Faith in Action

We all need something to lean on when going through hard seasons. The Sheko people of Ethiopia had long been in desperate need of hope: Civil unrest was ever-present and felt unnerving.

But local Christian leaders took action. They wanted to point their people toward the hope found in Christ through Scripture even when the political situation in their world was discouraging.

So they formed the Sheko Bible translation team. While these believers could not prevent hardships, they offered people comfort through God’s Word. They focused on completing the New Testament — but God had a bigger plan.

In 2019, more conflict ravaged the Sheko region. Leaders turned to their people to lead reconciliation efforts, believing the key to peace was within their community itself. Among those chosen to lead the efforts were the Bible translators. The Bible translation project had become a symbol of hope for the Sheko people. One leader said:

The translators’ involvement helped the peace process succeed, restoring stability. Today, with the New Testament complete, the Sheko people have found a new source of hope through God’s Word.

The Sheko Christians found comfort in Scripture in their language. Their trust in God continues to carry them through difficult circumstances, much like Joseph’s faith carried him through uncertainties.

Spreading Hope Through the Christmas Story

Joseph faced the unknown with faith, trusting God’s plan even when the future was unclear. His obedience allowed hope to take root in his heart, allowing him the opportunity to be part of God’s great plan of salvation through the birth of Christh. We, too, can find hope in God’s promises during difficult times.

Partnering with the work of Bible translation ensures that more people experience the Good News of Christ’s birth in a language that touches their hearts, spreading joy and lasting hope in all seasons.

Digging Deeper

• What emotions do you think Mary and Joseph felt when God revealed His plan? Consider their mix of fear, awe and trust. How do Joseph’s responses encourage you in your circumstances?
  
  
  
  • Further Reading: Luke 1:46-55 + Matthew 1:20-21.
  
  
  
  

• In this season of life, what step of faith is God calling you to take? Joseph risked his reputation to follow God’s direction for his life. How can his obedience inspire you to act boldly, even when it’s difficult?
  
  
  
  • Further Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6 + Isaiah 26:4.
  
  
  
  

Involve Your Church in Global Bible Translation

Be part of bringing hope and transformation to every nation through the power of God’s Word. Your church can make an eternal impact by supporting Bible translation — through prayer, resources and partnership — equipping believers worldwide with Scripture in a language they clearly understand. Together let’s take the next step in fulfilling the Great Commission.

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