Making room for family!

Laura Digan December 24, 2025 0 0

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Matthew 1: 18-25 (NIVUK)

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: his mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’

22 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

In my youth I drove my parents to distraction. When I think back to some of my escapades and the trouble I got myself into I hang my head in shame. But whatever trouble I got into, my parents were always there for me, standing by me, supporting me, forgiving me. 

Making room for family often begins with a quiet, courageous yes. 

Joseph could have turned away, protecting his reputation, choosing certainty. Instead, he listened and trusted God and made room. He made room for Mary, for a child not his by blood and for a future shaped by love rather than fear. 

Like Mary, Joseph’s example teaches us that family is not always planned or easy but it is sacred when rooted in faithfulness and compassion. Throughout his life Jesus would go on to gather disciples, friends and outsiders into a found family bound together by love and grace. A family we are all part of, a family that is still growing. 

Making room for family means opening our hearts beyond our expectations, welcoming with patience and choosing commitment even when the road ahead seems uncertain. 

Prayer:

Faithful God, give me the courage of Joseph to choose love over fear.

Help me to make room in my heart and life for the family you are creating.

Teach me to welcome others with patience, trust and grace. 

Amen