Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Matthew 1:18-24.
As we continue “The Journey of Amazing Love” in our Advent worship services, today we focus on Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. (Next week we will focus on Mary.) The character and commitment to God by both of Jesus’ parents is inspiring. In Joseph’s case, he had compassion for Mary and was going to “divorce her quietly” even though the law allowed for him to have her stoned to death. He and everybody else would have assumed that she had “cheated on him” with another man. When she told him what happened to her, he just couldn’t believe her, but he didn’t want to kill her either. So, he planned to keep everything as low key as possible.
But then he had the dream in which the angel appeared to him and confirmed Mary’s story. He was immediately willing to obey what God wanted him to do. He had to know that, just as he found Mary’s story to be unbelievable, people would not believe his confirmation of it either. Still, he did the right thing. He accepted Mary as his wife and served as the earthly father of Jesus.
When was the last time you did the right thing, even though it cost you something?
Personal Worship Option:
You have two great worship opportunities today! Join us this morning in one of our regular services, then come back this afternoon at 4:00 as our sanctuary choir offers their Christmas musical. And bring somebody with you both times!
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