Advent in Reflection: Anxiety and Expectation of Joseph and Mary

Though Lauren and I have not, yet, had children, we have both still experienced second-hand the expectation of young couples as they await the birth of their child. Expectation oftentimes turns to wearisome anxiety as the months of pregnancy linger on. Our neighbors recently had a baby. One afternoon I asked the soon-to-be father how he was, and he responded, “Excited…and helpless. Ready for the baby to be here. It’s been a difficult pregnancy, and I’m not really sure what to do at this point.” These are, indeed, both exciting and uncertain times in a young couple’s life.

I sometimes wonder what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph through her pregnancy. Having been told who their son would be, did they still experience anxiety? Did they feel helpless as they considered their future of raising this child together?

They knew they were going to have a baby. They had been told. They even knew, to some extent, who this child would be, though, perhaps, not what this would ultimately mean. Surely there was a bit of anxiety present, but, still, they knew.

And so, nine long months were spent in this balance between wonder and knowledge. Nine months wondering if they were ready, laboring through physical pains and mental struggles. Nine months knowing he was coming, and the expected time was drawing ever so near. Nine months, anxiously anticipating the coming of the Son of God.