Tag: Christmas

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Week 4: Day 2- Matthew 1:20-23

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

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.

Matthew 1:20-23

Explanation

God intervened in the life of Joseph and Mary to make sure that they got married. God tells Joseph about how he had already intervened. The baby that is in Mary’s womb was conceived of the Holy Spirit. He quotes Isaiah 7:14.

14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

Immanuel means “God with us”. God come in the form of a man, a baby to live among us. The author of Hebrews said it this way:

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Hebrews 1:1-2

God the Son came and revealed Himself to us.

The angel also told Joseph what to name the baby. “You shall call his name Jesus”. The Hebrew name “Yehoshua” which means Yaweh Saves. Why? He shall save His people from their sins.

Jesus came to reveal God to us and to save us from our sins. This is in His very name!

Application

God went to great lengths to provide salvation and make God known to His people. We should be willing as His ambassadors to go to great lengths as well. We should tell people that God has come, He has revealed Himself, and He has made provision for the forgiveness of sins.

Response

  1. Take some time today to thank God for His Son who revealed and who saves.
  2. Is there anyone this Christmas who you need to tell about this incredible news?
  3. What response do you have to this passage?
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Week 4: Day 1- Matthew 1:18-19

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

(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.

Matthew 1:18-19

Explanation

Jesus was conceived in Mary by the Holy Ghost. Joseph was not His biological father, but would have been traced through Joseph’s line in terms of lineage. Imagine the confusion and stress brought upon Joseph who had to decide what to do with a fiance who is pregnant but claims to be a virgin, conceived by God, and who understood her situation because she had been met by an angel. Joseph made the difficult decision to end the relationship without making her go through the shame and punishment that would come in that culture to an unwed mother. The scripture calls Joseph a just man, and called this character quality to the fore to describe his motivation for making this decision.

Application

Often there is a risk in doing the will of God. We may be seen differently by those around us than what we would prefer. Mary had to show faith in God by enduring the unknown here. Joseph, being a just man, had to endure the potential gossip and slander to take Mary to be his wife.

Yet at the same time, God provides for His people as they follow His plan. If God calls us to do something, He will equip us and protect us in the doing of it.

Inspiration

  1. Could you be accurately described as “just”?
  2. What could you do today to show right thinking in your immediate circumstance?