Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Matthew 1:18-23

“…She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1:21)
The entire book of Matthew is a culmination of the fulfillment of old

testament prophesies.  This particular passage is very familiar to all of us and is preceded by the genealogy of Jesus, describing the royal lineage of the house of David and then leads into a very concise description of the events leading to the birth of our Lord. 

The obedience of a righteous servant:  Joseph was planning to quietly divorce Mary.  He had no intent to cause undue attention to her, but still he was afraid of potential consequences to his life and his image in the community.  He was given courage by the angel of God who told him “do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her if from the Holy Spirit (v.20).”   After hearing this, Joseph was able to accept Mary.

Obedience leading to the acceptance of God’s will:  Joseph and Mary were just beginning their life together.  Just as most couples they probably had plans and dreams not only for themselves but their children as well. When we have children it is only natural to begin to have hopes and aspirations for them.  The hope that they become successful, that they have a life full of happiness and less struggles than our lives.  Joseph and Mary knew that their child was entering into the world to fulfill the prophecy, realizing that it was not going to be an easy life.  Eventually their child would be burdened by taking on the sin of all of humanity upon Himself. 

As we celebrate the Birth of Jesus let us remember that God uses ordinary people such as Joseph and Mary to fulfill His purpose in the world.  It sometimes may not make sense to us but works out perfect in His plan.  At times being a part of God’s plan requires courage as it may go against the norm.  But in those times God is able to give us reassurance and courage as long as we are willing to accept it.  In being obedient and accepting of God’s commands and His purpose in our life, we are honoring His gift to us, the true gift of Christmas, Christ Jesus. 

Prayer:  Loving Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus.  As we joyfully celebrate the birth of our Savior, help us to accept your plan and purpose in our lives with the same joy. Amen.

Dr. Joe M. George, Chicago

 

 

 

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more