Countdown to Christmas – Day 8

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

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.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

The circumstance with which Joseph found himself facing was plagued with emotions and difficult decisions. Pride, anger, and resentment most likely mingled with sadness and concern. We know that Joseph’s integrity was at stake for he contemplated how to cause as little harm as possible. The scriptures tell us that he put forth consideration. With a heavy heart and overwhelmed soul, he laid he head upon a straw pillow most likely falling into a fitful sleep.

And this is where God met his child- this righteous man of God who found favour in heaven’s eyes to behold the tender flesh of the newborn babe sent to save the world. God interveined in what was mostly likely the only moments of solace Joseph had from his predicament. God came to him in his sleep sending an angel with heaven’s commands.

It was Joseph’s response that set forth in motion the greatest miracle this side of heaven we would ever behold. Though human thought may have had him questioning himself, the angel, and even God, Joseph accepted what God commanded him to do.

Acceptance. A most significant piece in the faith puzzle. Though we may not understand, sometimes questioning the plan, we must realize that belief will only get us so far. Faith may carry us through, but it is our acceptance of what God asks us to do that will give our hearts the peace we so desperately desire.

Father, though my questions are many, my belief struggling to keep strength, help me accept all that you ask of me to do for my obedience is pleasing to you. In Jesus name, amen.