Matthew 1:18-25
Verse 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
Mary was like many other young ladies her age in those days. She was looking forward to her upcoming wedding. Joseph was also looking forward to their marriage. In those days it was the man who made many of the arrangements for the wedding. This is what he was busy with when Mary was visited by the angel.
Mary and Joseph would both have been looking forward to their wedding and life together. While most marriages were arranged, the couple seems to actually care for each other. At least we can see Joseph’s love of Mary in our reading today. As men tended to be a bit older than their brides, Joseph may have been looking for love for some time before the arrangement was made with Mary’s father.
With all the anticipation going into the upcoming wedding, the young couple each find themselves shaken a bit with visits from angels. Mary’s visit seemed more personal but that was because she was going to have a more personal part to play in the plan. Joseph’s anticipation of the upcoming marriage may have taken a slight pause as he thought about what may be thought and said by those around them.
There would be things said, we can be sure of that. We know how rumors spread. But that wasn’t the only thing spreading. The love of this couple was going to start spreading as they both submitted to the Lord’s plan for their lives and they felt the anticipation of loving this unborn baby fill their hearts. What was He going to be like? How were they going to manage being parents to such a special child? What did it really mean that He was the Messiah? There were many prophesies which would be fulfilled, what would that mean for them and their lives? Yes, there were many questions but there were also hope, peace and joy as they anticipated this child they knew they would love.
Making It Personal
In what ways do you anticipate love? Are there ways you should show that you anticipate the coming of Christ? What do you love about Christmas?
Making It Personal Kids
What do you love about Christmas? Is there anything you anticipate about Jesus? What do you think it looks like to love Jesus?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us anticipation in this season of love. Help us learn to love like You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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