Day 4: Change of plans

Today’s scripture: Matthew 1:24-25 (Message) Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream. He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.

Joseph was a tremendous example for obedience and integrity. One day, he is troubled and confused. His beautiful, virtuous wife to be is suddenly pregnant, and he is thinking of quietly divorcing her, trying to save face without hurting his betrothed. What would people think? Would he be humiliated? What his friends chastise him?

Then the angel appears to him in the night, and Joseph is transformed into a confident servant. He knows what to do, and he does it as soon as he wakes up. He doesn’t take a few more days to think about it. He doesn’t look for double and triple confirmation. He doesn’t look for another sign. How much stronger of a sign can you get than an angel appearing to you in your bedroom?

When he learns that Mary has not been unfaithful to him, he quickly marries her and takes her into his home. He doesn’t waste any time. That’s the mark of a righteous man who understands his role without question. That’s the kind of faith God wants us to have in our everyday life. Joseph simply obeyed God, although others may have disapproved of his decisions to marry. Joseph did what he knew was right.

Also note that Joseph and Mary did not consummate their marriage until after Jesus was born. This enabled Mary to remain a virgin until after Jesus’ birth, thus fulfilling scripture (Isaiah 7:14). Mary’s virgin conception was done wholly by God. Mary’s egg would not have been used by God, either. The name Jesus means “the Lord saves.” Jesus came to earth because we cannot save ourselves from sin and its consequences. Only Jesus can eliminate our sinful nature. Christ came to die as a perfect sacrifice for all our sins.

Did you know: The song says, "On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 4 Calling Birds ..." which signifies the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists.

To view a link to “Gloria, In Excelsius Deio,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Rp-gRBl9c