Matthew 1:18-25 CSB – 18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. 20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her 25 but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.
Have you considered memorizing this Christmas story during this Advent season?
197 words. Beginning today, just 9 words per day . . .
8 verses. Beginning today, just 1 verse every other day . . .
Write out, type out, print out your chosen translation. Tape it to your bathroom mirror. Tape it above your kitchen sink. Put it on your ScriptureTyper app https://scripturetyper.com
Ask your children or grandchildren to do this with you. Talk about the various topics that arise from this passage:
Joseph not wanting to publicly disgrace Mary (bullying, destroying reputation);
Joseph and Mary both obeying God even though they didn’t know every detail and there was some fear attached;
The fulfilled prophecy (God accomplishes what he says he will do);
what it means that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us;
no doubt you will think of others . . .
Plea for Grace 