Tag: christmas

God With Us – Matthew 1:18–25

Matthew 1:21 – “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

This passage gives us a quiet look at Joseph’s character. Before the angel ever appears, Joseph has already decided to act with restraint and dignity. Whatever Mary told him, he clearly did not yet understand what God was doing. Still, he chose not to shame her publicly. That alone says something about the kind of man he was. He was trying to do the right thing with the information he had, even while confused and hurt.

It’s interesting to me, how honor shows up before clarity. Joseph doesn’t wait for everything to make sense before choosing kindness. After God speaks to him, he obeys, but his integrity was already there. I don’t always treat people honorably when I’m unsure of their motives or story, but I should. Joseph trusted God when God spoke, but he also lived in a way that left room for God to work. I hope to be that kind of man, one who chooses honor first and trusts God to meet me in the middle.

Small Beginnings – Micah 5:1-15

Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Micah speaks hope into a time of threat and uncertainty. He points to a ruler coming from Bethlehem, but not a new person at all, someone ancient, even beyond what the people could fully grasp. This ruler would shepherd God’s people using God’s own strength, and his influence would extend far beyond Israel. It sounds a lot like Jesus to me.

It’s hard not to see Jesus here. Bethlehem, a shepherd-like ruler, and a greatness that reaches the whole earth all line up clearly. For me, this passage is less about action and more about confidence. Jesus really is the promised Messiah, and history is not drifting aimlessly. Christmas is about much more than a baby in a manger, a stable, or a silent night with shepherds and animals (come to think of it, that doesn’t feel very silent at all).  Instead it’s about an ancient promise of God leading his people and setting everything aright.