Advent Devotional - November 30th, 2014
Reading:  Matthew 1: 18-25
Focus:  Joseph
Written by:  Elaine Cornelius

Have you ever gotten information that changed all your perceptions or all of your plans? This is exactly what happened to Joseph. He is planning his wedding and preparing the home for the love of his life.  Everything is going according to plan. Then Mary comes to him and says she is pregnant with the Messiah. He loves her, but now he is questioning his judgment, her fidelity, and scrutinizing every conversation he has had with her. Was she really to be believed?  What had he missed that she would betray him? Her explanation wasn’t possible, was it?  He was hurt and confused and not at all sure what he should do about this situation and when he thought he had figured out a solution, he went to sleep. And his dream changed everything.

God didn’t just choose Mary as Jesus’ mother, the Lord also chose Joseph to be Jesus’ earthly father.  God chose a family for Jesus where love reigned in thought and action. He chose parents who were willing to humble themselves in obedience to God, even when it would make things more difficult in the short term and change their lives forever.  God had a plan then and He has one now. God will help us to stay on His path, if we are willing to pay attention and listen to Him.

Prayer

Lord, Keep my mind open to all Your possibilities. Help my heart be obedient to Your will especially when my plans may not be what You have in mind for me and remind me that Your will is always for my good. Amen. 

Joseph – Joseph was called to be Jesus’ earthly father…to love him like a son, to train him up in the family business and be a positive influence in his life. However, it is also true that God was Jesus’ heavenly Father. Joseph’s task was to raise Jesus in a way faithful to God and faithful to religious customs. Who has helped to share faith I your family? Is there a grandparent, aunt, or cousin who tells others about Jesus’ love for them? Who I your family acts like Jesus?  Are there any family Christmas Traditions you share together that pass on the faith?