Advent Devotional - 26th Day

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Written by: Russ Hauck

Readings: Matthew 1:19-25

Can you imagine what a shock it must have been? All at once, Joseph the carpenter finds out that his bride-to-be Mary is inexplicably pregnant and then, while he is trying to figure out how to quietly divorce her and cover it up, he is told by an angel that Mary will give birth to the Messiah! What’s a guy supposed to do when his whole world is turned upside down?

Joseph gives us the answer through his actions. He trusts God’s word and God’s promise. He believes that God has a plan and a purpose, and he sees that he and Mary are a part of that plan, and so he acts accordingly. But this isn’t just a story about Mary and Joseph. It’s about us, as well, because we too have a part to play in God’s plan.

Trusting God’s promise gives us the tools that we need to live our lives fully, just as God has intended for us.

Prayer: Lord God, sometimes we search around in our toolbox looking for just the right tool for the job to be done and never find it. Like Joseph, lead us to trust in your word and in your promise – to the right tools for building your kingdom. Amen.

Family Moments:
Thursday: Week 4 , Joseph , Trust, Carpenter's Square or Hammer
Jesus had an earthly father named Joseph, who was a carpenter. God sent an angel to talk to Joseph in a dream. The angel explained that God had chosen Mary, and that Mary’s baby would be very special. When Joseph woke up, he knew that he and Mary were a part of God’s plan. Joseph knew that he would be a good father to Jesus. How are some of the ways that God talks to you? Color the ornament and add it to your Jesse Tree.