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In the movies, a couple are in a long-distance relationship. One movie is called Sleepless in Seattle, and the other one is called You’ve Got Mail. Both star Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. If a movie were made about the birth of Jesus Christ, it might be called “Sleepless In Nazareth.” Except in this movie, they would not meet in cyberspace, but sacred space, by the most ancient form of communication; the voice of an angel. Joseph went to sleep in fear one night, and the angel appeared to him in a dream. Now, it’s one thing to dream, but it’s another thing to act on one’s dream. That is what Joseph did. He allowed his dream to guide his every step, and because he believed in the power of his dream, he fashioned a future with Mary. Joseph stayed awake. He kept his dream alive by acting on it. When God sends a message, a purpose, a dream, or a vision, it is for action, not contemplation.
When we fall asleep too easily in life and forget what God is wanting to do in us, may He shake us from our slumber with visions of the future that will startle us to see better. The gifts that God places in us is not to be saved for a rainy day, but are to be given away.
God was planning to do a mighty act through the world. Joseph had the dream, and Mary had the seed. When you put a dreamer together with a seed-bearer, mighty things will happen! In this Christmas season, dare we believe that god is dreaming in us again? Dare we believe new dreams of peace, purpose, and reconciliation? Dare we trust that in the womb of our dreams, fresh hope is waiting to be born? Joseph was a daring dreamer, and we should remember that in the rush of our lives, true love knows how to rush in where reason fears to tread. Dreams do come true, and not just in the movies. But for our faith to make a difference, dreams planted while we are asleep must come to life while we are awake.
God-dreams create fear.
The Christmas story was lived out in real time with real people. Even though God’s dream and plans for us will create chaos and restructuring, we must maintain trust.
Trust God even when your dreams turn to dust.
Trust God when the odds are stacked against you.
Trust God and the surprises He has for you.
Trust God’s light even when darkness tempts you.
Trust God’s plan even if you give birth outside the system.
Christmas reminds us to trust that in the womb of our dreams, hope is waiting to be born.
