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.
Don’t be afraid. .
Words not said in taunting or ridicule, but said as words of comfort and understanding that fear would be a normal and natural response to the situation.
Isaiah 41:10 CSB – 10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.
Fear dispelled because of Immanuel, God with us. Even in the hard, confusing, “not normal” things.
He is God.
He has a plan.
Question — how is the memory work progressing? This morning what ‘popped out’ to me was the angel’s assurance to Joseph — don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife . . .
Plea for Grace 