Passage: Matthew 1:18-25
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:23
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
The circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ was as though a child conceived out of wedlock. The Bible makes it clear that Mary was betrothed to Joseph. In other words, there was a commitment to marry but the marriage had NOT YET taken place. The circumstances under which Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, frustrates our natural codes of morality, in that, it is morally wrong for a child to be born out of wedlock. In fact, despite modern liberalities, it is morally acceptable and culturally, for a child to be born within the context of marriage rather than outside of it. Yet, this is the exact situation which our God used as a channel to bring into the world Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world! The story of Jesus, being presumably conceived out of wedlock and the Spirit of Christmas - the Holy Spirit, reminds us in this seasons that God uses imperfect and unfavorable situations to bring to pass His perfect will and perfect promises for your life!
In fact, it is in such situations that God receives even more glory and many are shocked by the awesome wonder of our God. The sovereignty of God and His will overrides whatever imperfection and unfavorable situation you may have found yourself in. To others looking from the outside in, and even to Joseph for a brief moment, Mary being “pregnant” out of wedlock was wrong. But to God above, the child which was in her womb, was from the Holy Spirit and the circumstances was all divinely orchestrated by God to bring about the salvation of the world! This was so much so that even the name of the child was a reminder to them all (and us included) that God was in it! Immanuel,"which is translated, "GOD WITH US.”
In this season, know that Immanuel is with you. Know that the Spirit of Christmas, the Holy Spirit, is directly involved in your situation and is orchestrating everything out for your good. As you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior and are reminded of what He means to us, know that He is not just a yesterday God but He is a right now God and a forever God. He is with you today and will be with you all throughout 2023 and onwards. Know that 2023 will be a different year for you and that what seemed impossible in 2022 will be more than possible for you in 2023. God is with you and is directly involved in your life; using every imperfect and impossible situation in your life for His glory and to bring to pass His perfect will and perfect promises for you in Jesus name!
Be blessed and encouraged in this season and may the presence of God be with you and your household. Merry Christmas!
Apostle Paul Konadu,
Peace & Blessings.