Takeaways

Joseph and Mary were legally betrothed but had not yet been intimate. Unfaithfulness during this time was an offense punishable by stoning, so Joseph faced a devastating situation.  

As a thoughtful, considerate man, Joseph did not make an impulsive decision. (God’s plans rarely move forward in the context of impulsive choices.)  

God sent an angel to communicate to and comfort Joseph.  

What do the angels know?

-They are conscious of history and God’s plan.

-They long for understanding.

-They have a healthy anticipation for what God is going to do.

What do the angels say and why?

-They convey accurate messages in obedience to God.

-They bring customized messages to specific people in specific situations.

-Their messages may reflect fulfillment of prophecy.

This angel assured Joseph that Mary had not cheated and that God had chosen her to give birth to His son.  He further told Joseph to name him Jesus, which means “He will save His people from their sins.”

When we think of being “saved from sin,” we often limit ourselves to a future where we are assured of forgiveness and a home in heaven.  But the Greek wording conveys a life of victory over sin, wholeness, spiritual health, and freedom NOW.

What would it be like for us to live in the mindset of this message? (Not just what we think the angel meant, based on our history of the Christmas story.)  What follows this new mindset?  What words come to mind for you?  

Zechariah was told God would turn hearts toward himself.

Mary was told God’s son would reign forever.

Joseph was told that Jesus would save them from sin – NOW and FOREVER.

So, before Christmas, as we celebrate Advent (His coming) let’s make sure we’re thinking well about the good news and being saved from our sins:

The Father turns hearts towards Himself.

The Son rules on an eternal throne and will be Lord forever.

He saves us from our sins to live lives that look like His, which puts Him on display and glorifies Him forever. 

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Reflection Prompters

1.  Spend some time with additional Scriptures related to this message.  What connections do you see?

2 Samuel 7:16; Psalm 89:27-37; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1-10.

2. At the time of the angel’s message, Joseph did not yet understand concepts like the incarnation. Re-read the passage, trying to keep yourself from applying the facts and knowledge you already have about the Christmas story.  What do you sense from the Lord when reading in this mindset?

3. What would it be like0 for you to live in the mindset of current, active victory over sin?

4. What if you’re still battling sin and don’t feel free? We sometimes feel like we’re on a hamster wheel of sin: We sin, ask forgiveness, feel some victory, and then sin again. What is the message that can help you step off that hamster wheel?

5. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you some truths to pray over, write out, and meditate on.  Here are a couple to prompt your thinking:

I do not have to live in defeat.  Jesus offers salvation from sin NOW and a future home in heaven.

Open my eyes and ears, Lord. Please help me be responsive to your messages to me.