This Christmas we are focusing on how Jesus is the light who shines in the darkness.
He is for us
He is with us
He is amongst us
He is for us
He is with us
He is amongst us
- Pause – As you begin, pause, open your hands and be aware that God is present with you.
- Read – Read the Bible passage slowly.
Matthew 1:18-25
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
- Reflect – Notice what stands out. Why does it stand out? Read the reflection:
God is with us…
God speaks. When and how he speaks is entirely within his determination. And yet the first news we hear about Jesus is in the midst of controversy. Mary is ‘with child’ and the biological father is not human. From an earthly viewpoint this is problematic at many levels, none more so than Joseph’s deep concern predominately for Mary. Can you imagine turmoil? We are told the Joseph dreams. Can you recall another Joseph who dreamed? He too was stricken and delivered. And that too is what will become of Jesus. At times in our deepest confusion and heartaches God speaks, and his message is: I am with you. Do you know this to be true for you?
God speaks. When and how he speaks is entirely within his determination. And yet the first news we hear about Jesus is in the midst of controversy. Mary is ‘with child’ and the biological father is not human. From an earthly viewpoint this is problematic at many levels, none more so than Joseph’s deep concern predominately for Mary. Can you imagine turmoil? We are told the Joseph dreams. Can you recall another Joseph who dreamed? He too was stricken and delivered. And that too is what will become of Jesus. At times in our deepest confusion and heartaches God speaks, and his message is: I am with you. Do you know this to be true for you?
- Respond – Respond to God in prayer