Good morning,
Christmas is Saturday, December 25. It is time to focus on why we celebrate this event. This week we will look at the announcements that were made to Isaiah, Micah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.
From the very beginning it is a supernatural story. Only God could have arranged all the details to make it happen. But happen it did.
Today let us look at the announcements the Lord made to Joseph.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God. That first sin is passed down to all men. Jesus Christ willingly gave up His heavenly home to come to earth to pay the debt for sin that mankind could not pay.
Matthew 1:18-25 The angel of the Lord’s announcement to Joseph
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 public 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.
Joseph was a Godly man. When Mary becomes pregnant, He devises a plan to put her away privately. BUT GOD sends the angel of the Lord to explain the situation. He explains that the child is conceived by the Holy Ghost, His name shall be called Jesus, and He shall save his people from their sins. Joseph does not argue, question, or reject the angel of the Lord. “Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:”
Joseph obeyed without wavering.
When God tells us to do something, how obedient are we?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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