Last night I heard the start of Joseph.  Joseph almost becomes a throw away character.  After Jesus birth stories, we hear almost nothing about him.  But, last night, I heard again the story of a man who listened to God, and obeyed.  It seems that nothing would have happened if Joseph had closed the ears of his heart to the words of God.  Instead of doing what was convenient and lawful, he did what God told him to do, which certainly brought him trouble.  The faith story of Joseph begins with listening to God.  So, too, our faith stories.  You may not at first recognize the voice of God but God is always calling, giving direction, encouragement and love.  We only need to listen.  God speaks through the Word, Church, other Christians.  Open your ears and hear the voice of God proclaiming love for you and all of creation.  Hear, O Israel, the Lord is One!  Read Mark 12:28-30 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Pastor Ed