Wednesday, December 25, 2024 // Day 25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
—Matthew 1:18–25

THE MESSIAH HAS COME

Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus!

Today we celebrate the Prince of Peace that was born in less-than-ideal conditions. Joseph was faced with a tough decision and had actually thought to divorce Mary quietly, hoping to avoid public disgracing her. He was devout in his following the of the law. But then, an angel appeared to him, telling him Mary would have a son who was conceived of the Holy Spirit. He was to take Mary as his wife and the baby as his own, and they were to name Him Jesus.

Can you imagine? There were holy visitations to Mary and Joseph telling them what was to come, including that Jesus would save the people from their sins! I’m sure their heads were spinning.

The key to the story was their obedience knowing the risks involved. What if someone found out Mary was pregnant? How would their community react? Public disgrace and shunning most likely would apply.

A census was ordered by Caesar Augustus (an oppressive ruler who ruled by force) which was thought by Jews to be followed by more taxes. Galilean Jews, from where Mary and Joseph were from, were known to oppose and even revolt against these edicts from Rome. There were so many things to be worried about, not only as new parents, but parents to the Savior of the world… financial worries, fear, frustration, political turmoil, wars, etc. Sound familiar? Through all of this, Mary and Joseph were obedient in spite of the potentialities.

Worries today are very similar to those of Jesus’ day. With all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, family gatherings, work gatherings, etc., let’s take little moments to give thanks and to pray. And let us not forget to listen to the Holy Spirit. Much like Mary and Joseph, will you allow Jesus to be your Prince of Peace in this otherwise restless season? Will you embrace Him as Emmanuel, God with us? By doing so, you just might change the world around you through the gift that was born on that day – Jesus Christ.

Michael Goins