Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Advent Preparations Week Four 2011 Wednesday

Loving God,

Amidst the busyness of these days and this season, may the time we spend with you now help keep us focused and better prepare our minds and hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In his name we pray. Amen

Matthew 1:18-25
New International Version (NIV)
Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God with us”).

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

Name a difficult time when you became aware of the promise that God was "with you?"

Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield,
For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust. Ps. 33

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