“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:22-23).

Not only did the Lord give quite an assignment to Mary and Joseph, but He also gave them quite an explanation. The Lord assured Joseph that his beloved Mary really was still a virgin. All that was happening to them was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 which says, “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Though the name is spelled slightly different, it is still the same glorious “God with us!” I can only imagine the emotions that Joseph must’ve felt. Thoughts of bewilderment, excitement, relief, and probably some fearfulness flooded his mind. But we find Joseph immediately responding in obedience. Bible prophecy had been fulfilled in his home and now in his heart. God worked a miracle. The message of Christmas is miraculous in every aspect.

For today: Don’t let the busyness rob you of rejoicing in the miraculous message of Christmas.