Advent Devotional - Day 5

 
DECEMBER 5 – Matthews 1: 18-25
By: Lou Shives

During this Advent season, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us reflect on how God chose to interact with Joseph when he became aware of Mary’s pregnancy. Although Joseph had initially thought about quietly breaking the engagement, God sent an Angel in a dream to inform Joseph that he had been chosen to be the human step-father of Jesus. Joseph responded obediently, aware of the tremendous responsibility he was undertaking, and brought Mary home to be his wife and deliver her son whom he
named Jesus.

The Bible describes many ways in which angels execute the purpose of God. The lyrics to the song, Angels Among Us, states angels “wear so many faces, show up in the strangest places, to grace us with their mercy in our time of need”.

My daughter, Lorrie, collected over 100 angels. During the final month of her life, a companion sitter assisted us so that Lorrie would never be alone. I will never forget the way Doris introduced herself to us. She brought Lorrie an angel from “her family collection” and stated that she believed God wanted her to be with Lorrie. During family devotionals, Doris spoke to her at length about Heaven. Before Lorrie died, she asked to see several of her friends. Her final words to them were, “I’m going to Heaven soon. I just want to say thank you for all you have done and that I love you.” Death is never welcomed, but I truly believe Lorrie’s death occurred peacefully in the company of a ministering angel named Doris who reassured her of God’s love and promise of eternal life.

Dear Father: Thank You for this special time of year in which we recall the story of the birth of our Lord. We also thank You for using angels to watch over us and grace us with Your mercy in our time of need. Amen.