12/20/19

Our scripture for this week is Matthew 1:18-25.

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Matthew 1:24-25

Joseph and Mary each took a risk in saying “yes” to God’s plan for them. Mary was told by the angel “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32). In this passage Joseph is told “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). This is a blessing and a burden to each of them.

Most of us have never experienced an angel visitation with an announcement from God, but He calls us just as He did Joseph and Mary. It is easy to think that if we were to receive such a direct message we would certainly obey, wouldn’t we? God reaches out to connect with us every day through a variety of means if we are only ready to hear and accept His call.

Remember that while God is almighty and powerful, He works in gentle ways through His creation, of which we are a part. Often God speaks to us as “a quiet whisper” (1 Kings 19:12) that asks for our attention, not demanding it. We must be prepared, not only in the season of Advent, but always, to hear His call to us to be part of what He is doing in the world.

Gracious God, we are humbled by the fact that You would want to use us as Your representatives in the world. Help us to better hear Your call and make us strong in faith to carry out the wonderful work You have for us. Amen.

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