We’re going to spend a little bit of time talking about that Story of Stories, the Christmas story. I want to focus on two very well-known characters and see if we can possibly uncover a few new things about them. I’m talking about Mary and Joseph.
Practical Principles
- Mary lived a godly life in an ungodly place. Nazareth was so wicked that when Nathaniel was told that Jesus came from Nazareth, he said, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” That’s where Mary lived when the angel came to her and that’s where the young Jesus grew up. But Mary shows us that it’s possible to live a holy life in an unholy place.
- Mary was honestly surprised that God had selected her and not someone else. She was stunned that she would be given this privilege, and she rejoiced that God had chosen her.
- Mary obeyed and magnified God. She gave God the glory and took none of it for herself.
- God chose Joseph just as surely as He chose Mary. God the Father in Heaven chose Joseph to be a father figure to Jesus on earth. Joseph’s actions not only protected his wife and adopted Son, but prepared the way for God to fulfill many more prophecies. So we’ve got to give Joseph his due. He played a significant role as he was there in the life of Jesus.
Relevant Reminders
- Mary was the only person present at both the birth of Christ and His crucifixion. She saw Jesus enter this world as her Son and she saw him leave as her Savior.
- A thermostat controls the temperature. A thermometer simply reflects what the temperature is. Are you a thermostat or are you a thermometer, spiritually speaking?
- The Bible is filled with the stories of young people that made a difference. Mary is one of them.
Applicable Actions
Why did Jesus come? Jesus came to be born in a manger and to die on the cross and arise from the dead and to give His life as a ransom for many. Jesus came that we might have life in all of its fullness—both the promise of life after death and the promise of life during life. Remember what the Christmas message is all about. It’s not about the presents or the tinsel or any of that. The message of Christmas is Emmanuel . . . God is with us.
