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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise The heavenly host said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). I say ‘Amen!’ and I join with the shepherds in glorifying and praising you. Truly, there has been born for me a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This is indeed good news of great joy! Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the birth of Jesus. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months after Gabriel announced the conception of Jesus, and when she returned home, it wasn’t long before her family and friends realized she was pregnant. Joseph also learned of her pregnancy, and he was very upset. He and Mary were betrothed, a legal pledge to marry that only a divorce writ could break, and willing infidelity at that stage was considered adultery (cf. Deut 22:23–24). If he married her, it would be seen as a tacit admission of guilt; if he divorced her, it would mean public shame and disgrace. He finally decided to divorce her privately, and as he was thinking about it, you revealed what you wanted him to do. This teaches me several lessons: (1) When I don’t know what to do, I can count on you to guide me, (2) When I’m wronged, I should search for a way to be both just and merciful, (3) When I’m frustrated and anxious about a decision, I can rest in knowing that you are working behind the scenes to accomplish your will. Joseph took Mary as his wife, and she remained a virgin until she gave birth. There was no room for them in the guest room (katalumati; cf. Luke 22:11), and so the King of kings was laid in a manger in the family room. The only fanfare for this momentous occasion was an announcement to some nearby shepherds. How amazing to think that the Son of God and the Lord of Glory would humble himself to be born in such a way! Joseph named his son Jesus, a common name that came from “Joshua” (lit. “Yahweh saves”). Never had that name been more fittingly given, for Christ came to seek and to save those who are lost! (Luke 19:10). Matthew and Luke both recorded Jesus’ ancestry. Matthew’s genealogy showed that Jesus was qualified to be the Messianic King—He was a Jew, a descendant of Abraham, and He was from the royal line of David (cf. Isa 9:6–7). Luke’s genealogy showed that Jesus was qualified to be our Kinsman Redeemer—He was a man, a descendant of Adam, but He was also the son of God (Luke 3:22–23). Jesus was fully qualified to fulfill His mission of reconciling the world to you (2 Cor 5:19). No wonder they call Him the Savior! Reflection As I read through the names of Jesus’ ancestors, I noticed that some were heroes of the faith, some were wicked, and some weren’t even Jews (Rahab was a Canaanite, and Ruth was a Moabite). This shows me that you use ordinary people to accomplish your will. If you can use them, you can use me! Request Father, give me the mind of Christ—though He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but He took the form of a servant and humbled Himself (Phil 2:5–8). Thanksgiving “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal 4:4–5). Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” — Nahum Tate. Meditation Verse: Matthew 1:23. |