Devotion:
Read Matthew 1:18-25.
Every person in the small village of Nazareth would have known about the ceremony in which young Mary was pledged to Joseph, a carpenter and likely quite a bit older than Mary. As was their custom, they had pledged their intentions to marry and had promised to be faithful to one another. In this pledging ceremony, the two were legally bound but would not live together as husband and wife until the wedding itself, which would be some time later. Upon learning that Mary was pregnant, Joseph’s first thought must have been the painful stab that his pledged virgin had been unfaithful to him. His next thought would likely have been concern that his neighbors would think he was the father and therefore had sinned with Mary. Lots of other thoughts and no doubt a flood of emotions must have poured over him. Somehow he was able to sort through the options of revenge and justice and decide to do the kindest and most gracious thing he could come up with -- to divorce her quietly.
God offered Joseph the option to marry Mary and be the earthly father of this child who was conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit. Joseph married Mary, and “...she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” No mention of Luke’s census, manger, or shepherds. But a different and wonderful story of Joseph’s faith in and obedience to God.
Personal Worship Option:
Give thanks today for the beautiful way the gospel writers chose to present the story of the birth of Christ. This passage from Matthew, the one read earlier from Luke, and the very theological account by John are like facets on a beautiful diamond. Pray for faith like Joseph’s to listen to and trust God in your life.
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