Chapters to read: Matthew 1-2

After reading Matthew 1-2, what did you think? Joseph was a very cool guy. He was righteous and truly knew God. He was going to be married to his fiance' who he loved very much. They were probably going to start a family together and live happily ever after. Well, God had a different plan. Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant, and was not happy. Even though he was ticked, he didn't want her to be in any danger. In those days, Jewish law said that she was to be humiliated, ridiculed and then stoned (Deuteronomy 22:20-24). Instead of making a big thing of it, he was going to divorce her quietly. God didn't want that, so in a dream God sent an angel to explain everything to him.

Instead of saying "no way", Joseph agreed to be the Messiah's father. In the mean time a census was issued, and even one had to return to their home town. Taking a very pregnant Mary with him, they traveled to Bethlehem. And instead of the baby boy being born in a castle or even a mansion, he was born in a manger where animals and shepherds surrounding him. Can you imagine what Joseph might be thinking? He probably thought the same things that your Dad did when you were born.

Joseph was proud of him, glad that he was a father, glad to raise him, glad to have him there. Could you imagine what he thought when the host of angels showed up and sang praises. Or when the shepherds joined in, and don't forget when the wisemen came! It's not everyday that three wise men come to worship your son! Joseph was probably glad that he said "yes" to God's plan.

There were dangerous moments too. Even with God's plan comes danger and adventures. Joseph was probably afraid for Mary's and Jesus lives when the angel told him to flee to Egypt! What if they didn't make it in time? What if Herod's men caught them trying to escape. Herod would likely kill them all on the spot because of this baby being the new King! Joseph could have easily said, "Ok, um... this has been fun, but...bye!" Instead he brought them to Egypt until it was safe to return.

God gave Joseph a very special plan, to be the earthly father of Jesus. It wasn't easy; he could have died for disobeying Herod. Maybe God is speaking to you this Christmas. Don't be afraid, He will be with you all the way. Even when it looks bad, He is still there. Just follow His plan like Joseph did.

Chapters to Read: Luke 1-2

Okay, picture this, a young girl probably no older than 14 has just been asked by the angel of the Lord, to be the mother of the Messiah! Whoa! Mary was most likely scared to death, but she said "yes" anyway. Of course she had to tell Joseph, her fiance'. He was not happy, but loved her enough to divorce her quietly and not turn her in. Thank God that Joseph was finally told the plan in a dream by God Himself. In the midst of all of this, they had to travel back to Bethlehem because of a taxation census. What a ride!

Then the baby was born.

She and Joseph were now the proud parents of the bouncing baby boy, also known as the Messiah. But why did it have to be in a manger? Well, at least he was healthy and happy. Mary was probably very proud of her little baby Jesus. Even though he was born in a manger, he was announced by a host of angels, visited by dozens of shepherds, and worshiped by three kings from the east.

All was well, until Joseph got a dream that warned him that King Herod was ready to kill all the baby boys. Mary probably felt small, insignificant, scared, she may have even thought of just leaving. After all, her life was probably in danger too. It would have been easier just to leave Joseph with the baby, and go back to her Mom and Dad's house. But no, she promised God to be the mother of the Messiah. He would provide because He had a special plan for all of them.

Do you ever feel like Mary? Maybe you feel God putting you on the spot to do something extreme? Or maybe you feel like just giving it all up. Don't. Maybe the Lord really has a special plan for you this Christmas.

Chapters to read: Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2

Picture this, Jesus was born, wrapped in cloth and placed in a manger. The world around him must have been interesting. His mother and father were standing over him, admiring him and praising God he was born. Then a host of angels appeared, and people came to visit him. Wow! Soon enough three men came and gave him all kinds of gifts. What a day!

Not long after that, mother and father were packing up and taking him on a wild adventure. They were to go far, far away because an evil King was after them.

What do you think Jesus thought when this was happening? This little baby wasn't just a normal baby, he was our King, Messiah and Christ. Sometimes I wonder what Jesus was thinking. Did he know what would happen, or was he like normal babies?

Whatever he was thinking, God certainly had a plan for this little baby. This plan would be bigger than Mary and Joseph's combined. God's plans for us don't even compare to His plan for His Son. 33 years after his birth, Jesus would hang on an old wooden cross and die for us all. No one else in the history of the world has ever done that. People try to make Christmas into whatever they want, but when it comes down to it, it is only to celebrate Jesus Christ's birth. You can't say that Christmas is this, and Christmas is that. It's just Jesus. Sure it's fun to give gifts, decorate a tree and go hog wild on Christmas cookies, but the real reason for all of this is Jesus.

So this Christmas please remember that it's not about presents or getting almost two weeks off from school, it's celebrating Jesus' birthday. Everyone has a birthday, and December 25th is in honor of Jesus' birthday. So please remember Him too on Christmas morning.

God Bless and Merry Christmas!