tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post2870006114139677817..comments2023-09-12T11:31:20.729-05:00Comments on Straight-Friendly: The Quiet ManTimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-29606769390990110582009-12-18T23:09:04.688-06:002009-12-18T23:09:04.688-06:00I completely agree with you, Genevieve. Great lead...I completely agree with you, Genevieve. Great leaders often prove the value of getting out of the way so God can have His way. Doing that takes great discipline and self-confidence, though--both of them in short supply these days.<br /><br />When we take the time to reflect on the Christmas story, as you point out, we're inevitably grateful and reminded of how powerful our God is. That He uses two kids from a tiny town in an occupied land to change the entire world--and ultimately bring the Empire that oppresses Mary and Joseph's people to its knees--is astonishing.<br /><br />As the old gospel tune says, "It is no secret what God can do. What He's done for others, He'll do for you." When we think of what He did for Mary and Joseph, His potential in all our lives is nothing short of phenomenal. In many ways, the power He displays in the Christmas story is the greatest gift of all.<br /><br />Blessings and best wishes for a delightfully sacred and joyous holiday.<br /><br />TimTimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-58964324278103544882009-12-18T19:32:01.451-06:002009-12-18T19:32:01.451-06:00Some of the great leaders are the strong silent ty...Some of the great leaders are the strong silent type who go about their Godly duties without fanfare.<br /><br />Christmas is a time of reflection for me because there's so much to be thankful for. It's also a time where men and women can change through the power of God through Jesus.genevievehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07041499205158357183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-75704939904228226582009-12-18T11:39:55.464-06:002009-12-18T11:39:55.464-06:00Grant, just came back from your place--good stuff!...Grant, just came back from your place--good stuff! I'm prone to agree with you; the holy couple more likely was shunned than squeezed out. Less a matter of hotel reservations (if you will) than social reservations.<br /><br />We don't care to look at Mary as a social pariah/accused adulteress, yet that's how many in her day must have viewed her. There was only one explanation for her condition in their minds: either she and Joseph jumped into bed too soon (which also saddles him with fornication charges) or she was unfaithful to him. The second charge--as you point out at your place--exposes Mary to possible execution. If that's the case, it's far more likely Joseph's family and neighbors in Bethlehem treated her/them like sex offenders, rather than two sweet kids in a bind.<br /><br />I'd never heard the theory that the stable might also have been used because it was more suitable for the "unclean" aspects of birth. That also makes a lot of sense in an ancient agrarian culture.<br /><br />Either way--stigma or hygiene--however Joseph was challenged to protect Mary and her Child, and he comes through in spectacular ways.<br /><br />Thanks for the comment and the link (which is worth looking at, indeed). <br /><br />Blessings of comfort and joy,<br />TimTimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-44774502673206975042009-12-17T23:49:31.223-06:002009-12-17T23:49:31.223-06:00Beautiful article, Tim. Thanks. I guess this is t...Beautiful article, Tim. Thanks. I guess this is the week for reflections on the holy couple. I also blogged some thoughts:<a href="http://wonderwings.blogspot.com/2009/12/no-room-in-where.html" rel="nofollow">Here:</a> FWIW...<br /><br />Blessingsgrantnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-46570037530930234702009-12-17T06:30:54.390-06:002009-12-17T06:30:54.390-06:00As I worked on this, Claire, I kept thinking of ho...As I worked on this, Claire, I kept thinking of how Jesus stood silently before His accusers. I couldn't shake the idea that He learned the art of keeping quiet from Joseph.<br /><br />I agree, it makes total sense that God would choose an earthly father who would exemplify His own traits. It's all so beautiful to consider--no stone went unturned to make the plan absolutely perfect!<br /><br />Such a joy always to hear from you, Claire. Have a most joyous holiday!<br /><br />TimTimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-85022923564974739652009-12-17T05:29:22.993-06:002009-12-17T05:29:22.993-06:00I don't know why, Tim, but yesterday as I was ...I don't know why, Tim, but yesterday as I was thinking of Jesus calling his Father, Abba, Daddy, I wondered whether his description of the Prodigal Father, in the Prodigal Son, was not in fact a description of Joseph... Your 'Quiet Man.'<br /><br />For wouldn't it make sense that God would give His son an earthly father that would shape Jesus' image of 'father' in a way that would lead us to believe in a generous, all-forgiving God?<br /><br />Probably all too anthropomorphic. <br /><br />Thank you for a neat post :-)claire bangasserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12380558962103134334noreply@blogger.com