Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother, Mary, was pledged in marriage to Joseph. Before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her. So, he decided to divorce her privately. But as he was considering these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because the child 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 happened to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son. And they will name him Immanuel,” which means, “God with us.” When Joseph woke up from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him. He took Mary home as his wife, but he was not intimate with her until she gave birth to her firstborn son. And he named him Jesus.
Dear Lord Jesus,
You came veiled in a human body to save us from all our sins. Your birth was incredibly miraculous because you, our God and creator, took on flesh. As true God, you came into this world to live among us, living a holy life and then crediting us with your righteousness. You also suffered our punishment on the cross for all our sins. To think that you, who created mankind, used David’s family line to be born into the world, taking on the frailty and dependency of a human child so that you could serve and save us.
We hear and focus our attention on Mary and her journey to Bethlehem that first Christmas. However, your mother also cared for all your needs, like any other infant, by nursing, changing, and bathing you. The little hands and feet she washed and cared for would one day be nailed to the cross to care for us all.
Additionally, we often overlook Joseph, your stepfather. Like Joseph in the Old Testament, who was sold into slavery in Egypt, which saved his life, your earthly father—the other Joseph—was there to protect you and your mother. He helped Mary raise you, so may we not forget that he also went to Egypt to save and protect you when your life was in danger.
Lord, we thank you for coming into this world to save us from all our sins. We pray that you will strengthen our faith this Christmas by hearing the words of your nativity. Keep us in your word so the Holy Spirit you send will work and increase our trust in you. Thank you for the forgiveness of sins you have won for us in your holy life and innocent death. Allow us to share this gift, the good news of our forgiveness, with those who do not know you. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God protected his Son through the means of an earthly family, Israel, Mary, and Joseph, and saved the world through his life, death, and resurrection. We receive God’s eternal comfort, joy, and peace because we are reunited with the LORD through Jesus’ nativity.