Bible Reading: Matthew 1:18-25
What do you think of when someone says “Christmas?” Pine trees? Decorations? Gifts? A baby in a manger?
There is one thing most of us don’t think about – sacrifice – but many sacrifices were made that first Christmas. Today, and in the next few devotionals, we will talk about some of those sacrifices.
Today, let’s talk about the sacrifices that Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, made.
Joseph was engaged to Mary. Then he learned that Mary was pregnant. Matthew 1:19 tells us that Joseph “did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
Then an angel spoke to Joseph in a dream. The angel told Joseph that God wanted Joseph to accept Mary as his wife.
Joseph knew that it would be hard to go ahead with his wedding plans. If he obeyed God, Joseph would sacrifice his reputation with the men in the community. He would lose their respect. Joseph also knew that the baby he would raise would not be biologically his first-born son. Joseph sacrificed his time, energy, and resources to raise God’s Son as his own. Joseph gave up many things to obey God and become Jesus’ earthly father.
Are you willing to be like Joseph and make whatever sacrifices God asks you to make?
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the Lord’s angel told him to do. He married Mary.” Matthew 1:24
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be willing to make any sacrifices You ask of me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Tell me what you've learned from Joseph's sacrifice in the comments.