December 23, 2019

Bible Reading: Revelation 16

During this week of Christmas, we are going to step away from Revelation and focus on parts of the Christmas story.

Matthew 1:18-25 (KJV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
The person who is often overlooked the most in the Christmas story is Joseph. He is often misrepresented as the father of Jesus. We do not hear of him past when Jesus is 12. I believe there are some things about him we should all strive to be like.
1. vs 19 He was a Just man
The definition of just here is- innocent, holy, righteous. While Joseph wasn’t sinless. We can deduct that he strove to follow God with his whole heart.
2. vs 20 He was wise
He was thinking on what to do with Mary. He didn’t act rashly and publicly shame her. He didn’t judge the situation too quickly. How often do we make snap judgements on thinks without thinking first?
3. vs 19-20 He was willing to change
There is no doubt he must have initially been disappointed that Mary was pregnant. I would assume he loved her. Yet, when things didn’t go the way he anticipated, he yielded his will to God’s.
4. vs 24-25 He was a man of faith
When he awoke from the dream. He obeyed God immediately. Obedience is a sign of faith.
If there was someone who could have changed the way the Christmas story happened it way Joseph. But his humble submission to God was the exact way we should obey God today.
Jacob Jarriel