December 16, 2022Dear friends,
If you listen to the radio, you will likely hear Christmas carols and songs like “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” This week, Karen and I were blessed to hear two of our grandchildren sing in a school concert. I remember being one of the wise men in a play at my elementary school, when I was about the age of our oldest grandchild. It is inspiring to see the excitement of children as they blend their voices together in song.
Have you ever considered what Joseph thought when he travelled with Mary before the birth of Jesus? Matthew records his reaction to finding out that Mary was pregnant: “And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly” (Mt. 1:19). Dr. Charles Stanley, in his Life Principles Bible, observes: “But God saw the confusion building within Joseph’s mind and sent His angel to guide him: ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins’ (vv. 20, 21). From this point on, Joseph never questioned the Lord’s method or motive. He realized that the God of the universe had chosen him to watch over Mary and the Son she would have. He remained faithful not only to his wife, but also to the Lord.”
As we look at Joseph’s life, we see that he showed courage by ignoring the rumours that were circulating about Mary. Dr. Stanley writes: “He remained consistent and content, and he could be counted on to follow the Lord, regardless of the personal costs.
How can you grow in your faith to become a godly individual? Begin by committing yourself to a consistent, daily walk with Christ. Attend a church where the Word of God is proclaimed as the standard of life. Make a commitment to God and to your loved ones that you will not abandon your devotion to Christ or to them.
You will gain a sense of godly responsibility when you stand up for what is right. A committed Christian is not easily swayed, but is filled with conviction, faith and a desire to know God intimately. When Joseph had no one else to guide and comfort him, he turned to God and found the strength and love he needed to get through the most difficult of circumstances.”
May we commit to following the Lord wholeheartedly, as did Joseph and Mary.
Scripture for the weekend: “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NASB)
Thought for the weekend: “Christmas reminds us that Christ came to bring peace – the kind of peace that restores our relationship with God and one another. In Him, all cultural differences, animosity, and hatred are reconciled.” – from “Celebrating Jesus – 10 Christmas Reflections on Christ & Community” – Our Daily Bread Ministries Canada