Joseph (Christmas Chronicles)

Have you ever thought about the conundrum Joseph found himself in when he got the news that Mary was pregnant? You could put his pic beside that word in the dictionary when you consider his options. Joseph was literally between a rock and a hard place. Matthew tells us that Joseph was “faithful to the law,” yet the law said that Mary should be taken to the city gate and stoned! (Matthew 1:18-19; Deuteronomy 22:23-24).  

So Joseph decided he would “divorce Mary quietly” because he didn’t want her to be disgraced, or worse, executed!  His decision gives us a good idea about Joseph’s character. No matter his shame, or discouragement, or anger, Joseph was willing to give Mary mercy and grace. Why?  I think because he loved Mary dearly. Now let’s be clear, we know Mary wasn’t guilty, but until the visit from the angel, Joseph didn’t know that.  

Who’s character does Joseph reflect here? It’s clear to me that Joseph is expressing the character of our loving, gracious, and merciful God! Think about it. God loves us so much that He looks beyond the heartbreak that our sin must cause Him to show us boundless mercy and amazing grace.

John 3:16 captures God’s heart toward us… we celebrate it in this season: 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

God loved us so much that He sent his only son Jesus to Earth to bear our sin’s penalty of death. That baby Mary was to carry would ultimately be the Savior who would carry His own cross to the place where He would give His life for your sin and mine. As John wrote: Greater love has no one than this.  (John 15:13).  

Have you acknowledged God’s deep love for you? Have you accepted God’s gracious gift of salvation for you? Have you by faith invited Jesus to save you? If not, why not this Christmas season? You can do that today!

For much more about Joseph, and the powerful truth and pertinent life lessons for us captured in his story in Matthew 1:18-25, click here to listen to the message. And share it with someone too!