Matthew 1:18-25
Such a familiar passage for us here on Christmas day (Merry Christmas--by the way). Since Joseph is the main character, I decided to focus in on him. Early on in this passage we're told that Joseph is a "just" man and from everything we read here, he certainly conducted himself in that manner. Joseph found himself in a difficult situation and it wasn't because of anything he did. That's tough. And you and I both know that when that happens in our lives, sometimes we react poorly. But not Joseph.
So what can we learn and put into practice from Joseph's example? What does this passage show us about God's ways versus ours? Tami W.
He listened and did what the angel of the Lord commanded him to do. He recognized the angel as being from God and he was obedient to God. Obedience comes from trust and I think both Mary and Joseph knew and trusted God, which made all the difference when it came to listening, believing and obeying what He asked of them. Getting to know God so we can recognize Him when He speaks to us, and getting to know who He is and how much He loves us makes it easier to trust and obey Him. It's after all His opinion of us that matters above any one elses, and He loves us so very, very much. At Christmas Jesus is the clear evidence of that love.
Merry Christmas!
It must been hard for Joseph, to accept what has happen to him and Mary. I know God chose him because Joseph is a just man, and a very faithful one to God. He must of love Mary so much without knowing that she was concieve by the Holy Spirit, and not judging her for what has happen to her. And as for Mary I know she was so faithful to God that God chose her. My question is that, does this mean that Joseph is a step-father to Jesus..
I can't help but think that when God picked Mary and Joseph to play this important part in biblical history that he knew all along what he was doing . . . he knew well in advance the calibre of people, i.e., the characteristics of Mary and Joseph and the people who played in the other parts.
This year the Christmas Story caught my interest more than ever.
Praise GOD ! The LORD JESUS left heaven and came to earth as a human baby. HE was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life , suffered a horrible death on the cross , and was raised to life again to save mankind from burning in an eternal hellfire. Somehow Joseph and Mary both became objects of worship in the Roman Catholic church. Now days some have come to teach their children that Santa Clause is someone who knows whither they have been bad or good . What does this tell us about where we are headed ?
Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend. I haven't read through the Christmas story yet today, but it's on the agenda for our family Christmas meal this evening. And if the family is up for it, maybe I'll even get them to sing a carol or two. :-) Tami W.
1 John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.
I don't care what the "world" thinks about me; my concern is what God thinks of me.