Note: This devotion material was purchased digitally from YM360 to be used for the Advent Season of 2024.
Day Seven: Joseph’s Reassurance of Hope
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.” — Matthew 1:18-25
There’s a common theme in the story of Jesus’ birth: angels. Anytime a theme is repeated in Scripture, we should pay close attention. Angels appeared to both of Jesus’ parents to tell them about His life. These angels were not sent by God to only deliver information. In their announcements of the Savior’s upcoming birth, they are filling hearts with hope.
Here, we read that Joseph is engaged to be married to Mary and already knows that she is pregnant. He decides that the best decision is to quietly end his relationship with Mary. However, an angel appears to him in his sleep, tells him to marry her, and that her pregnancy is fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies about the Savior of the world. Joseph does what the angel says and continues to live with integrity toward Mary. Joseph was tasked with displaying a strong level of trust in God. Joseph was not biologically
related to Jesus but was still His earthly father. Joseph’s family line is also essential to the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.
The angel of the Lord reaffirms to Joseph the hope that is coming with Jesus’ birth. The famous Christmas song “What Child is This?” is a reflection of how wonderful it is that Christ the King was born. The words of this song display the beauty of Jesus being fully God and fully man. He is King, but He is also a baby needing to rest on His mother’s lap. Today, listen to this song and remember this wonderful hope we have in Christ.
Questions:
1. On a piece of paper or in a notes app on your phone, write down what hope means to you.
2. Next, write down a few places, people, or things that you place your hope in.
Now, spend a couple of minutes in prayer, asking God to help you place your hope in Him.