The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced. While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic sermon to full term: Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son; They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”). Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.

                                Matthew 1:18–25 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                 The Birth of Jesus

Joseph was a fine, upstanding young man. When he found out that Mary was pregnant, he felt upset and humiliated. I think that would be any man today. However, because he was honorable and wouldn’t expose her to public disgrace, he determined to divorce her quietly. Significantly, the angel had to come to Joseph and say, “Stick with Mary. I know it looks wrong. I know it doesn’t make sense, but what you think is wrong is God’s purpose. Stand strong. You’ve been equipped and empowered for this season.” Today I don’t think many men would be able to stand in the fire for something like this, especially if it happened while they were engaged to women they were about to marry. GOD had to be there for this one to work.

– Where do we go from here?

The spirit caused the birth of Jesus and gave us our Savior. He died for us, giving His life to those who didn’t believe in Him. Tomorrow, while spending time with your families, remember the blessing that we celebrate first before you allow commercialism to take over. Sometimes, What you’re facing may be unfair, but those wrongs are not random; they’re strategic. If it’s a big wrong, there’s a big right in your future. Now, do your part and stick with it. God is in control. You may be on a detour, but it’s a divine detour. God is ordering your steps. He hasn’t failed you in the past, and He won’t start now. Keep going through the wrongs with a good attitude, as Joseph did, and you’ll see God’s plan unfold.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for having the power to take what looks and feels like wrongs and make them detours. Thank You for directing our steps and working out Your purpose for our lives. We will stay in peace, knowing that no one and nothing can stop Your plan for every one of us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach