Christmas From Cover to Cover: 25-Day Advent DevotionalSample

The Messiah wasn’t supposed to come like this. Joseph was proud to be in the lineage of King David. He knew that another great king was coming from his family line, but he wasn’t supposed to come like this! Joseph didn’t think that his fiancée would become pregnant before their wedding and that he would raise the son. Even more so, he didn’t think that this controversial pregnancy would be the long-awaited promised one that his family and nation were waiting for. The new King of Israel was about to be born in poverty to an unmarried couple! Could this be right? Despite his doubts, Joseph believed the angel sent by God and devoted himself to obedience. Instead of running from a hard situation that wasn’t in his plans, he trusted God and his promises. Joseph held his baby Jesus that Christmas morning and knew that God’s wisdom was greater than his own. After all, this baby would save them from their sin.

Reflection Question: How can we respond to God in the midst of confusing or hard times?