Advent - Day 10

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 Immanuel” (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 ESV).

We return to yesterday’s reading today for one little gem of inspiration. The angel said to Joseph, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us)”. There are two incredible messages here. First, the angel reassures him that she has not betrayed him. He calls her “the virgin.” It is an essential message for him to hear. Of course, this helps Mary as Joseph adjust his thought and actions toward her; however, it is just as compassionate for Joseph to hear. It assuages his fears and doubts in the woman he has loved so deeply to take her in marriage. Underlying this act is the revelation of how much God cares for us as individuals. Jesus echoed this principle when he was sending the disciples out on mission: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31 ESV). God is not some uninvolved spectator in our lives. He is intimately and compassionately joined with us at the deepest levels of our lives. Our hurts are his hurts. Our betrayals are his betrayals. And, he ordains and uses very one of them for our good. Second, God gives Joseph an incredible glimpse into the future when he tells him to call the baby “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” God was not merely caring for Joseph and Mary in this incredible event, He was providing for all men a means of redemption. Joseph knew the prophecies. Now he was going to be at the focus of the greatest of them all. Others may have spoken of his shame and sin in taking Mary to be his wife; however, God declares boldly his acceptance and approval. When God looks at us, in our personal failures, he sees the perfect life of His son. That is our acceptance and approval. Believe that! Walk in that knowledge! Bask in that grace!