Joy To the World!

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. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:18-21 KJV)

From his throne, God sent Gabriel to Mary of Nazareth to explain that she was God's chosen helper for his most important endeavor (Luke 1:26-38). At first, Mary was incredulous about Gabriel's message, since to her it was an impossibility (Luke 1:34). But after Gabriel's explanation (vss. 35-36) and his assurance (v.37), Mary fully submitted to God's will (v.38).

It seems reasonable that as the days passed and her body began to change with the growth of the fetus, Mary decided she had better tell Joseph her story. Probably by this time, Joseph and everyone else could see that Mary's body was changing and something was not exactly right.

But when she told Joseph, he also found it difficult to believe. In fact, the context of his story shows that he didn't believe it, since he considered divorcing her. Evidently, Joseph fell asleep while he was considering the situation and his options. And while he slept, God's messenger talked with him. It seems that Joseph was afraid to accept Mary as his wife, and her pregnancy was the reason for his fear.

And the angel speaks calmly, "Joseph, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife. Her conception is from the Holy Spirit. She will deliver a son and you will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

In two sentences, the divine messenger explains the situation and what it is all about. Mary's conception is for the salvation of mankind. The son who will be born is for the salvation of mankind. The situation and circumstances are all in place to achieve God's purpose, which is the salvation of mankind.

And that makes me sing Isaac Watts' song of worship: "Joy to the world! The Lord is come

Let earth receive her King! . . . Joy to the world! the Savior reigns, Let men their songs employ . . . No more let sin and sorrow grow, Nor thorns infest the ground. He comes to make His blessings flow . . . He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness . . ."

Dear Father, glory to your holy name! Thank you for Jesus Christ, the One who saves us from our sins. I give you glory in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Today let the joy of salvation flood your soul,