December 9 – Day 10

Matthew 1: 18 – 25

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.

Can you imagine being either Mary or Joseph in a situation like this? Could you follow God’s directions, even if they went against your human feelings?

We have a choice like that today. We have been told to go and tell others about this Child, who grew up to be the Savior promised by God. To witness His saving grace, that is freely given to those who will accept it. 

What better gift could you give to someone than the gift of eternal life through Jesus.

This is the season to celebrate and share the gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.