Today we continue our conversation about key people in the Christmas story with my good friend Christian Shelton.
Once again we have an angel appearing. . .this time in a dream to Joseph, who was engaged to be married to Mary. At this point Joseph is aware that Mary is pregnant and is trying to determine how to discontinue his engagement to Mary in an honorable way.
The angel explains to Joseph that Mary’s pregnancy is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah which says, “The virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Join us as we wrestle with Joseph’s obedience to God. We explore the shame and rejection he and Mary encountered, both in Nazareth and in Bethlehem. Joseph faces a daunting task, being the “step father “ of the Messiah. God is faithful to Joseph (and Mary) and sends them multiple people with prophetic words, affirmations, and gifts to build their faith for the parenting journey ahead. We also look at how Joseph continues to hear from God through angelic visitations in his dreams.
God gave Joseph a big assignment and is faithful to walk with him through it. What has God asked you to do that may be misunderstood by others and be impossible in your own strength? Ask God for the courage to say yes and walk it out.
Then read Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7; and Matthew 2:13-23 and ask the Holy Spirit for further revelation and courage.
