God with Jospeh, the Dutiful
Week 2: God With Us-An Advent Reflection for the Long Run Community
Running the Race of Compassion and Courage
“Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.”
These familiar words open A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens—a story many of us know well. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve, is timeless in its themes of reflection and transformation. Scrooge begins as a hardened, self-centered man:
“Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint…secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster.”
By the story’s end, Scrooge is transformed:
“He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew…His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.”
Scrooge’s journey reminds us that reflection can lead to transformation. It’s a story about letting go of old ways and embracing something deeper—a challenge we often face in our own lives.
Every race, really every run, asks us to confront discomfort, doubt, and limits, but as in life, finishing requires courage, perseverance, and faith. Today, we look at Joseph, whose story mirrors this struggle between societal pressures and God’s call.
Joseph’s Dilemma: Starting the Race
Joseph, a righteous man engaged to Mary, discovers she is pregnant—and not by him. The tough realization of biblical times is according to Levitical law, Joseph was well with his right to publicly disgrace her, dissolving the engagement to protect his own reputation. Society even demanded this. Yet, we begin to see the first inclings of compassion as his first instinct wasn’t condemnation; it was compassion.
“Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.” (Matthew 1:19, NRSV)
Joseph’s choice to dismiss Mary gently was a kind one, but it still fell short of God’s greater call and even the greater presence of God’s love we come to see later in the story. It was the equivalent of running safely within what you feel is your lane, but avoiding the challenge of going all out for something bigger.
God’s Call: A Race Beyond Understanding
In a dream, an angel tells Joseph:
“Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20–21, NRSV)
This was a leap of faith unlike any Joseph had imagined. He was asked to go against cultural expectations, risking judgment and uncertainty, to embrace God’s purpose.
As runners and folks on the move, I am sure we recognize this leap well. It’s the moment we commit to a training plan or sign up for a race beyond what feels possible. Faith, like running, calls us to take a step even when we don’t see the finish line.
Joseph’s Faithfulness: The Power of Showing Up
Joseph’s response was immediate. He married Mary, raised Jesus as his own, and fulfilled God’s calling for his life. His decision created a foundation of love and care where salvation’s story could flourish.
In the same way, showing up—whether for a run, a teammate, or a difficult decision—is often the hardest and most transformative part. Like Joseph, our simple acts of faith and courage can have ripple effects far beyond what we see.
Lessons for the Journey
Faith Requires Courage: Joseph reminds us that faith isn’t easy. It calls us to step into uncertainty, trusting that God’s plans are greater than our fears. When we train for a race or take on a challenge, we do so not knowing the outcome—but believing the process will shape us.
Compassion is Central: Joseph’s initial choice to protect Mary quietly shows the power of compassion, and the bigger thing that GOd calls him to becomes a much greater recognition of compassion. Our faith isn’t about rigid adherence to rules but living with grace and understanding. When running, we practice compassion by encouraging others, sharing the road, or welcoming beginners to the community.
God’s Presence Transforms: Joseph’s obedience to God’s call transformed his story. Similarly, every time we align our actions with God’s presence—whether in movement, relationships, or decisions—we allow God to work through us, creating something beautiful.
Your Race, Your Call
As we journey through Advent, Joseph’s story challenges us to consider how we show up in our lives. Are we running just to check the box, or are we running with purpose, courage, and compassion? Like Joseph, we’re called to live in ways that reflect God’s transformative love.
This Advent, remember:
Faith is a race worth running, even when it’s tough.
Compassion is the energy gel that keeps us going when the course feels long.
God’s presence is the pace setter, guiding us through every mile.
Joseph’s decision to trust God wasn’t just a one-time act of faith—it was a choice to run the long race, staying the course through uncertainty. His story reminds us that our choices, no matter how small, can reflect God’s love in powerful ways.
Reflect for yourself:
How is God calling me to take a leap of faith today?
Where can I show compassion that breaks through societal norms?
Am I running this race with trust that God’s plans are greater than my fears?
May Joseph’s courage inspire us to step into the unknown, embracing the race marked out for us with faith, compassion, and love.