Christmas Day (CL)

Matthew 1:18-25
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Mt 1:18-25). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

It is the glorious day of the Birth of our LORD. Jesus is the one who comes to save his people from their sins. It is the great day of the Celebration of the King. The King of Israel is born. He is given the name Jesus because he will save his people. He is also the child foretold who is called Immanuel which means "God with us."

Most of the time when we look at this narrative we spend time talking about Joseph and his struggle. We do not look at the struggle of Mary because she is just his wife. She is the one who has created this problem in Joseph's eyes. But Joseph wanting to what is proper, will cast her out of his life.

The Angel steps in and tells Joseph this Child is the Son of God. This is the Christ who will save his people. You are to take this child. Joseph becomes the Guardian of our LORD. Joseph will protect the Child as any Good Father would. Sometimes this seems like a good lesson for Father's everywhere.

You should love and cherish your wives. God has placed many struggles before the two of you. He will even give you children. These children are a gift for you and you are to cherish them. All children are precious in the LORD's eyes. He has given them and you value.