ADVENT DEVOTIONS FOR FAMILY AND PERSONAL WORSHIP

SUNDAY DECEMBER 7 - READ MATTHEW 1:18-21

Light the second red candle in the Advent Wreath which represents our hope in Christ.

The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

Ever played "What if?"
- What if something had not happened the way it did?
- What if I had been there?
- What if it had happened today?
First of all, notice Joseph had to intervene and take care of the situation quietly and discreetly. What if he had succeeded? It would only have taken a matter of time and Mary would have become the object of scorn and ridicule, perhaps even stoned for suspicion of adultery
- What if Joseph had been insensitive to the dream dismissing it as coincidence? What if he had said, "God are you sure? I'll believe you when you give me a sign."
-What if all this took place in 2008? Mary would have been a pregnant, unmarried, young teenager. Someone inevitably would suggest that she have an abortion. No one would believe her story.
Regardless, anything other than what we find recorded in Scripture surrounding the birth of Christ would have been man's attempt to make things more convenient with no place for the miraculous fingerprint of God.
Advent brings us to the remembrance of commitments, not convenience. Each candle, successively lit, brings light into the dark corners of our lives. Keep the flame burning brightly today. Trust God to use you as a small instrument in the incredible outworking of His magnificent plan. Pray for God's Peace to be on you, your family and those you encounter today.