Now the birth of
Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then
Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public
example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these
things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying,
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for
that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth
a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from
their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21 KJV)
Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then
Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public
example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these
things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying,
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for
that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth
a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from
their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21 KJV)
From his throne, God
sent Gabriel to Mary of Nazareth to explain that she was God’s chosen helper
for his most important endeavor (Luke 1:26-38). At first, Mary was incredulous
about Gabriel’s message, since to her it was an impossibility (Luke 1:34). But
after Gabriel’s explanation (vss. 35-36) and his assurance (v.37), Mary fully
submitted to God’s will (v.38).
sent Gabriel to Mary of Nazareth to explain that she was God’s chosen helper
for his most important endeavor (Luke 1:26-38). At first, Mary was incredulous
about Gabriel’s message, since to her it was an impossibility (Luke 1:34). But
after Gabriel’s explanation (vss. 35-36) and his assurance (v.37), Mary fully
submitted to God’s will (v.38).
It seems reasonable
that as the days passed and her body began to change with the growth of the
fetus, Mary decided she had better tell Joseph her story. Probably by this
time, Joseph and everyone else could see that Mary’s body was changing and
something was not exactly right.
that as the days passed and her body began to change with the growth of the
fetus, Mary decided she had better tell Joseph her story. Probably by this
time, Joseph and everyone else could see that Mary’s body was changing and
something was not exactly right.
But when she told
Joseph, he also found it difficult to believe. In fact, the context of his
story shows that he didn’t believe it, since he considered divorcing her.
Evidently, Joseph fell asleep while he was considering the situation and his
options. And while he slept, God’s messenger talked with him. It seems that
Joseph was afraid to accept Mary as his wife, and her pregnancy was the reason
for his fear.
Joseph, he also found it difficult to believe. In fact, the context of his
story shows that he didn’t believe it, since he considered divorcing her.
Evidently, Joseph fell asleep while he was considering the situation and his
options. And while he slept, God’s messenger talked with him. It seems that
Joseph was afraid to accept Mary as his wife, and her pregnancy was the reason
for his fear.
And the angel speaks
calmly, “Joseph, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. Her conception
is from the Holy Spirit. She will deliver a son and you will call his name
Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
calmly, “Joseph, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. Her conception
is from the Holy Spirit. She will deliver a son and you will call his name
Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
In two sentences,
the divine messenger explains the situation and what it is all about. Mary’s
conception is for the salvation of mankind. The son who will be born is for the
salvation of mankind. The situation and circumstances are all in place to achieve
God’s purpose, which is the salvation of mankind.
the divine messenger explains the situation and what it is all about. Mary’s
conception is for the salvation of mankind. The son who will be born is for the
salvation of mankind. The situation and circumstances are all in place to achieve
God’s purpose, which is the salvation of mankind.
And that makes me
sing Isaac Watts’ song of worship: “Joy to the world! The Lord is come
sing Isaac Watts’ song of worship: “Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let earth receive
her King! . . . Joy to the world! the Savior reigns, Let men their songs employ
. . . No more let sin and sorrow grow, Nor thorns infest the ground. He comes
to make His blessings flow . . . He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes
the nations prove the glories of his righteousness . . .”
her King! . . . Joy to the world! the Savior reigns, Let men their songs employ
. . . No more let sin and sorrow grow, Nor thorns infest the ground. He comes
to make His blessings flow . . . He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes
the nations prove the glories of his righteousness . . .”
Dear Father, glory
to your holy name! Thank you for Jesus Christ, the One who saves us from our
sins. I give you glory in the name of Jesus. AMEN
to your holy name! Thank you for Jesus Christ, the One who saves us from our
sins. I give you glory in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Today let the joy of
salvation flood your soul,
salvation flood your soul,