Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-25
Jesus is Born
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly.
20 But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
22 Now all this has happened, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,
23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”
24 Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself; 25 and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her first-born son. He named him Jesus.
Go Deeper
The Dilemma of Joseph and Mary: Honor in the Face of Scandal
The Christmas story is filled with wonder, but at its heart lies a human dilemma. Mary and Joseph faced impossible choices—legal peril, social shame, and a reality defying explanation.
Let us ask ourselves: What would we do in their shoes?
Their story challenges us to consider faith, trust, and the courage it takes to embrace the unexpected, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, hope can prevail.
Timeless Truths: Matthew Henry’s Reflections on Jesus and Immanuel
The names Jesus and Immanuel reveal the heart of Christmas—salvation and divine presence. Jesus, meaning “the Lord saves,” declares His mission to rescue us from sin. Immanuel, “God with us,” unveils the miracle of God becoming human.
Together, they show that Christ is both Savior and divine companion. This dual truth—redemption and relationship—defines the wonder of Christmas. Let’s embrace the hope and joy of a God who saves and dwells with us.