Word for the day by Christian education forum

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Joseph’s Obedience & Courage in Response

Bible Reading:  Mathew 1:18-23

Key Verse :Matthew 1:22  “All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophets”

DEVOTION

The promises of the Lord are everlasting. A Christian can bank on the Lord’s words in all situations and under all circumstances. Psalm 119 : 96 reads I have seen a limit to all perfection but your commandment is exceedingly broad. 
This advent season we are again reminded of the faithfulness of the Lord of the old Testament incarnated to bring redemption to us sinners. This Christmas as we sing carols and decorate the trees let us think about a character in the whole celebration Joseph. Just imagine the ridicules he might have faced when he decided to support a pregnant Mary. What courage of conviction and compassion must Joseph have had to endure all the snide comments and whisperings! Unconditional faith and acceptance of the instructions from the angel of the Lord makes Joseph to forever be called the earthly father of Jesus Christ the savior of humanity. 
In our day to day lives this passage is a clarion call. When we embark on an assignment, when we are faced with troubles and discouragement, when we are treading a lonely path Joseph’s character reminds us that we are not alone. Our journey is predestined and there is always someone else journeying side by side. We need to be steadfast. We need to fall back on the word of God to lead us and guide us. We need to be equipped with knowledge, wisdom and the courage of conviction in the Lord Jesus Christ to lead a good life. 

  PRAYER

Thank you Lord for this beautiful day. Enable us to cling to your promises because they are from everlasting to everlasting. This advent season be born within us, to fill us with a sense of honesty and truthfulness as we live  in an ambiguous world. 


Thought of the day

Each day is a blessing . Joseph had a vision in which the angel of the Lord spoke to him. Let us be still to hear the Lord speaking to us. 


Dr. Bina Thomas 
Baroda Mar Thoma Parish, Gujarat, India

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