The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is Bethlehem…to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered” (Luke 2:4-6).

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Isn’t it amazing? Hundreds of years before this, the prophet Micah foretold the location of the birth of Christ (Micah 5:2). Nothing stood in the way of the Lord fulfilling His good Word. Of all things, He set everyone in motion to bring Joseph and Mary to the right place at the right time. Whatever you are facing, it is great to remember that nothing is too hard for Him. Blessings on you, dear friend, as you remember that God can set the entire world in motion to fulfill His Word. Depend on Him, and rejoice in His sovereignty today.

For today: The Lord easily does the incredible to bring about the fulfillment of His Word. What blessings there are in knowing Him.

“Call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

The Angel of the Lord explained to Joseph about the pregnancy of his beloved Mary. He explained what they would name the baby. He even explained what the baby would do and who He would be. While I want to be kind and gracious to everyone I meet, I also detest the insidious cancer that is spreading rapidly in our beloved country which is called “political correctness.” I want to be gracious, but I also want to say that I would rather be truthful than politically correct. There is only one way to Heaven and that is Christ. This is exactly what the Angel told Joseph, and that’s good enough for me. How about you? Have you read my tract “Heaven, Are You Going There?” Find it at www.michaelpeck.org.

For today: This One Who is called Jesus is my Lord and Savior. How about you?

“Fear not Mary: for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30). “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not” (Matthew 1:20).

Isn’t it wonderful that when the angel came with the message for Joseph and Mary, he called them by their names? There comes to me a tremendous blessing to realize that you and I likewise are not just some number to the Lord. He knows us by name according to Isaiah 43:1. In fact, according to Jeremiah 1:5, He knew us before we were born. At this very busy and special time of the year, may the wonderful truth that the Lord knows you by name be an encouragement to you today.

For today: More than just a number, He knows your name! You are precious to Him!

“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20).

The first thing that the Angel of the Lord said to Joseph was his name and then “Fear not.” Think of what was going through Joseph’s mind and heart. Moral purity and keeping one’s self for the marriage partner was very important in the time of Christ (and should be today as well!) The worst thing that could happen would not be the death of the fiancé. It would be the unfaithfulness of the fiancé. Mary was “found” with child. Joseph thought the worst. The angel told him the best. I need to be careful not to jump to conclusions and think the worst. How about you?

For today: I am going to ask the Lord to help me not to “lean on my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge Him” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things…” (Matthew 1:19-20a).

Matthew only tells us that “When Mary was espoused (mnesteuo or promised to another in marriage) before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.” Joseph didn’t know the whole story. He only knew that the love of his life was pregnant and that it couldn’t be his child. Isn’t it wonderful that in the middle of our verses for today the word “but” takes place? Joseph thought the worst, “but” God had the very best planned. In fact, God had a great blessing and miracle in His plan. How many times have things looked like it would be the worst for you, BUT God had a wonderful plan?

For today: Sometimes I need to slow down and watch God as He unfolds the rest of the story!