God with us ~ The greatest gift of Chrismas

"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit." Matthew 1:18

 

I wonder what it was like for Joseph? To first hear from Mary that she was to give birth.
The fear and the pain must have been overwhelming. Certainly, he felt betrayed. Mary was his sweetheart, his bride to be, how could this be? Before their marriage.
You see Joseph did not get the first announcement from the Angels like Mary.
He first heard from Mary. Joseph had to digest and ponder what to do.How to react. How to proceed. Do I publically shame my wife to be? Do I offer her over for public humiliation and punishment?

Joseph gently decided to quietly handle the hurt and pain and continue to show love to Mary even before the angel came with His message.

"Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly."

Matthew 1:19

 

I see grace.

 

And after, AFTER his mind was set to show love toward Mary in this quiet and gentle way the angel came.

"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Matthew 1:20-21

 

In God's perfect time he delivered the message Joseph needed. Confirmation. They must have been precious words for Joseph's heart to hold. Powerful words from God.

 

I see trust from Joseph, a trust that was present before God revealed all of his perfect plan.

 Do you have that trust?

Is there something you are struggling with that requires trust? Trust to step out and follow God's call. God confirms our trust with promise. With provision. With perfect plan.

I am so thankful for the trust of Joseph. From the trust of Joseph, and Mary, we have

Jesus!

God with us!

Immanuel!

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."   

Matthew 1:21-23

 



I wonder what it was like for Mary? To hear the news that she would give birth to Jesus. And then to have to tell the news to her Joseph. Her father. Her mother. She was told to not be afraid, but I know I would have wanted the angel to come with me while I shared the unbelievable news. I am a virgin, with child, the Christ child!
Thankfully God was with Mary and with Joseph. He is with us. His perfect plan prevailed and we have Jesus. We have a Savior. We have Immanuel. We have the greatest gift of Christmas!

Merry Christmas ~ Jodie