We watched the TV edited version of the movie Christmas Vacation this week. There were still parts we had to fast forward through, but I must admit it is one funny movie.
That may be the most quotable Christmas movie in the world. A guy I work with responds to every questionable statement someone makes with, “You serious, Clark?”
One statement that Clark “Sparky” Griswold makes that makes me laugh is when everything has fallen apart and the in-laws have packed their bags in order to make an early escape from the disastrous holiday extravaganza they have been witness to. Clark meets them at the door and with an intense out of his mind look says, “Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We're all in this together.”
One thing I would like to see happen in our city and world is for families and friends to share Sparky’s same sentiments. Wouldn’t it be great if people had the attitude that “we’re all in this together” and stayed together through the tough times that life brings.
The world would be a better place if people would fulfill their marriage vows, if friends would be true, if families cared for one another through thick and thin, and if brothers and sisters in Christ lived as though their Bibles were true.
There are many things to admire about Joseph, the step-father of Jesus. He raised the son of God along with Jesus’ siblings and seemed to have done a good job. When their lives were in danger, he listened to the Lord and made tough decisions.
His first decision as Jesus’ dad is his most impressive. When he found out that Mary was pregnant and knew that the child was not his, he stayed.
When he received the news about Mary’s situation, his first thought was to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:19 tells us, “Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
The fact of the matter he could have had her stoned to death according to the law.
An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and explained what was happening to Mary and gave Joseph instructions on what he was to do. His response is exemplary. Matthew 1:24-25 “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
He had every right to leave. What he was being told made no earthly sense. But when he could have walked away he decided to stay.
During this Christmas Season and throughout your life, you are going to have opportunities to leave early on your marriage, on friends, on your church, and maybe on life. Don’t do it. Honor God. Keep your vows and promises and pledges of friendship. Be the person you want other people to be.
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