By Hope 103.2Monday 25 Dec 2023ChristmasReading Time: 2 minutes
This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.
READ MATTHEW 1:18 – 2:21 (NLT)
Gloriously, joyfully, messy. Immanuel. God is with us.
Prophecy fulfilled. What comes to mind as you reflect on the birth of Jesus this Christmas season?
This year I find myself reflecting on the chaos… the gloriously, joyful, messiness of the first Christmas that I find mirrored so often in the Christmas experience today.
Immanuel. God coming to be with us – the beginning of His journey of redemption – was not a journey without a few ‘speed bumps’ for those around him. Mary found favour with God and was given the highest honour of carrying our Saviour… and this blessing turned her world upside down.
God with you this Christmas may not look like peace on earth or good will to all men… but remember in these moments of glorious mess that God IS with you. He’s writing a story in and through your life and the lives of the people He’s placed you with this Christmas. The story won’t necessarily look like your neighbour’s, but it is good.
Have confidence in the knowledge that we know how Christmas ends. It is glorious… and so FULL of love.
NATALIE BENNETT
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