Christmas Reading PlanSample

Today we read the first chapter of Matthew. I love how this chapter is first in the New Testament even though it was not the first gospel written. Starting the New Testament with this genealogy record is like God saying, “I’ve been silent for 400 years, but I am ready for this story to continue.”

Matthew was Jewish and was primarily writing to the Jewish people to help them understand how Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy. The main purpose of the genealogy is to connect Jesus to some of the greatest men and women in history and demonstrate His right to the throne.

In verse 18, we see the reference to Mary and Joseph. There were three steps to a marriage in those days. First, the couple would get engaged. This was often arranged by the parents. Then would come the betrothal. This made the engagement legally binding. It would last about one year and could only be canceled through a divorce. Finally, the actual wedding would occur, and the couple would be officially married and ready to start their lives together. Mary and Joseph were in the betrothal stage. I can only imagine Joseph’s surprise at Mary’s pregnancy. He was a good man and was willing to quietly divorce her to save her shame and embarrassment. He was also a faithful man because when the angel of the Lord spoke to him, he trusted God and went forward with the marriage.

My favorite thing in this chapter is how the angel said people would call Jesus “Immanuel”. This name means “God with us”. God never left the Israelites, but He couldn’t come to them the same way He can now come to us. Isn't it incredible to think that the God of the universe who was with the Israelites in the Old Testament is still with us today?

Take time today to think about Immanuel and thank God for being here today!