What about JOSEPH?

AND THE ANGEL APPEARED TO JOSEPH...

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name 

JESUS.

Matthew 1:24-5.

  Not much is said about Joseph...we know he was a carpenter and Mary’s husband, but we do know that Joseph was a man of character or more specifically class and kindness. A few verses before  Matthew 1:24-5 in  verse 19,  Joseph was planning to break his relationship off with Mary...but he was going to do it privately so not to embarrass her after finding out Mary was with child, and the child was not his! But then...the angel appeared before him telling him that Mary was conceived by the Holy Ghost and that Mary would born a son named JESUS. AND HIS PURPOSE? To SAVE the people from their SIN.

When I think of Joseph....I see a man who obeyed God despite what others would think of him....another Noah if you will. He chose to follow the course God had for him rather than the approval of people. Back then, to marry someone with child out of wedlock was not the thing to do...in fact Mary would have been stoned to death as that was the Mosaic Law. But when the angel appeared, he must have known that God was up to the divine....he must of known in his heart that this angel was truly sent from God. So be obeyed....very simple....but the part that shows us what kind of man Joseph was is when he found out Mary was with child and thinking she had been unfaithful...he was not hotheaded or dragging her off to the officials to be stoned...He was quietly going to send her on her way. This calm act of his is such a kind and gentle gesture.  

Christmas is 4 days away! What gift do you want to give to Jesus? What gift? You know...for His birthday present... Is it more kindness...more forgiveness....more mercy...more gentleness....more acceptance? How about treat yourself with these things.... forgive yourself...be kind to yourself....be gentle with yourself..... ACCEPT YOURSELF AS YOU ARE....WHY? BECAUSE GOD MADE YOU!  God is so good....then we can do these things to others. 

May I pray? Lord Jesus thank you for the example of character, kindness, and gentleness we find in your servant Joseph. I ask that you help each one of us be kind and gentle like him.... in our words, actions, attitudes....with ourselves and with others. Be with us and put your love, kindness and gentleness in our hearts. As we celebrate your birthday help us all to pause and to remember who you are....our SAVIOR and because you are....you can help us with the impossible! In Jesus Name, Amen.