Merry Christmas - God with Us

A got button saying this and have worn it when I remember.

We talked at Life Group about the Matthew version of Jesus' birth. Matthew emphasizing Joseph's obedience. The genealogy at the beginning of Matthew seems to be Joseph's line going back to Abraham.

Luke's birth story emphasizes the obedience of Mary. When Luke says in 1:2 that he has investigated all this I think that includes his interviewing principal characters in the story. Likely Mary is still alive and Luke spoke to her about her memories. The story in Luke's gospel is mostly from Mary's point of view.

Both Matthew and Luke emphasize the theme of obedience.

Even Zacharias, who was chastised for unbelief, was obedient to God's call despite his disappointment over not having any children.

Many busybodies would have commented that this must mean he and Elizabeth were somehow unrighteous, disobedient in some way. As innocent people they would have to suffer the whispers. I imagine that Elizabeth would rejoice in her vindication when she did successfully gave birth in a miraculous way. Yet the joy could be bittersweet.

But both of them were obedient despite disappointment. Zacharias continued faithfully to perform his duties as a priest. They were obedient.

Joseph was obedient to take a pregnant woman as his wife. He was also obedient to immediately pick up and flee when he was warned about Herod. I think I might be tempted to be lazy about that. It's a lot of trouble to move and to become a homeless refugee in a foreign land. Fortunately I think there were several colonies of Jews in Egypt. (And extradition was unheard of. - joke)

Despite all the prophesies Jesus fulfilled, what God did here was new and unpredictable. Those involved in God's sovereign act in the world could only act in faith not able to understand the full plan in advance.

The angels promised great things to Joseph, Mary, and Zacharias, great things. But they did not explain how these things would happen. All that was to come had no precedent in the past.

Everyone has to walk in faith, trusting God despite any hardship we may face. God has a plan for us too.