This is How

December 12

I want to read the Christmas story again this year, asking for new insight on the particulars of the story.  Join me as we go from now through the end of the year…

Matthew’s account, starting chapter 1, verse 18:

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

There are so many questions I have just from this first sentence!  Why was Mary chosen?  What was so special about her, or was it a random choice by God?  And why Joseph?  Was he qualified to be the best father available on earth?

And God must have known the scandal they would be thrown into, when Mary found herself to be pregnant.  He knew from the get-go there would be gossip about his son’s parents.

Isn’t that interesting that before God’s son was even born, his parents were the topic of conversation around town.  He knew it would be difficult for them.  He also knew Joseph was a man of love and compassion, and we can see this in how he handled Mary’s news that she shared with him.  And Mary was humble and sweet of spirit.

God isn’t looking for anything that stands out in our resume list to use us to bring his light to the world.  In fact, how well we love and respond to Him, and to others, is what he loves. 

I am thrilled with the first sentence introducing us to the Messiah is one of God’s love for us, shown by very way he sent his son to us, to be born of a virgin espoused to a loving man.

I’m feeling very loved…are you?