Key Passage
The mother of Jesus Christ was Mary. And this is how the birth of Jesus happened. Mary was engaged to marry Joseph. But before they married, Mary learned that she was pregnant with a child. Mary was pregnant by {the power of} the Holy Spirit. Mary's husband, Joseph, was a good man. He did not want to bring shame to Mary before the people. So he planned to divorce her secretly.
— Matthew 1:18-19 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Imagine that the plan of God depends upon the faith of an engaged carpenter and a young virgin who finds herself pregnant. There is a quiet and faithful dignity that undergirds this whole miraculous scandal. In the face of the inexplicable and the scandalous, Joseph and Mary show themselves faithful and kind. This is a great reminder to us of how we should conduct ourselves when things concerning our friends and faith seem untidy, unclear, or unfair.
Prayer
Faithful and righteous Father, thank you for the example of Joseph's kindness even though he was hurt and bewildered. Thank you for Mary's faithfulness, even though her challenge was inexplicable. Most of all, thank you for your faithfulness to your promises. In Jesus' mighty and holy name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
We don't tell people about ourselves. But we tell people that Jesus Christ is Lord; and we tell people that we are your servants for Jesus. God once said, "The light will shine out of the darkness!" And this is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts. He gave us light by letting us know the glory of God that is in the face of Christ. We have this treasure {from God}. But we are only like clay jars that hold the treasure. This shows that this great power is from God, not from us.
— 2 Corinthians 4:5-7
Never stop loving. Always be loyal and true. {Make these things a part of yourself}—tie them around your neck and write them on your heart. Then you will be wise and pleasing to God and people!
— Proverbs 3:3-4
In a large house there are things made of gold and silver. But also there are things made of wood and clay. Some things are used for special purposes. Other things are made for dirty jobs. The Lord wants to use you for special purposes. So make yourself clean from all those evil things. Then you will be holy, and the Master can use you. You will be ready to do any good work. Stay away from the evil things a young person wants to do. Try very hard to live right and to have faith, love, and peace. Do these things together with those people who have pure hearts and trust in the Lord.
— 2 Timothy 2:20-22
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
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