2023 Advent Devotional - Matthew 1:18 (Day 11)

Matthew 1:18 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit”

Do you believe God has a plan for your life? Do we have eyes to see and ears to hear or do we try to blaze our own trail based on what makes us happy?

I cannot imagine this is how Joseph a simple carpenter that was betrothed to Mary thought his life would go. Finding out that “before they came together” Mary was already with child. We all have a preconceived notion of where our life is heading or what we want in life. Often we do not ask the Lord what are his plans for our life. For me, all that mattered and what I wanted was to be a husband and father. To create a family with the love of my life. It wasn’t to have a certain career path, be someone of importance or even be rich. It was unity and love that I desired. Sometimes we don’t understand why something is or isn’t happening. I found the love of my life but I couldn’t provide her the family that we both so desperately craved. We would pray to be blessed with a child, yet we were unable. Not once did I take the time to consider if God was telling me if this is the right time or ask if I was following his plan. Then when I was down in the depth of my own self-pity and falling apart because of my own perceived inadequacies did I realize that when it is supposed to happen, it will happen. To simply trust in the Lord and try to follow the path he has designed for me.

Jesus is the only begotten son of God, and Joseph became the earthly father to him. Again, I can’t imagine Joseph planning to raise this little baby that takes away the sins of the world. I am just trying to make sure my child says please and thank you. Even today people have a difficult time understanding how the impossible was made possible through the Holy Spirit. To that I say, have eyes to see and ears to hear. Faith is defined as complete trust or confidence. Be confident and trust that the Lord has a plan just for you to help glorify his name through your life.

Lord, Thank you for the gift of your son. For he had come to save that which was lost and to give his life as a ransom for many. We are constantly amazed by your wonders and grace. Please help us to fulfill your plans for us and help us share our faith in you through the way we live. Help us be a light to others in the darkness of today’s culture. In you name we pray. Amen
- By Matt Werdehausen