This post is “Christmas – Day 10”, if you haven’t already read Day 1, please click here.
Please comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, please do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

Christmas – Day 10

Matthew 1:20

Joseph had this in mind when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel said to him, “Joseph, descendant of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is pregnant by the Holy Spirit.”

The Thought

Matthew 1:20 An angel of the Lord appeared to him. The angel said to him, “Joseph, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is pregnant by the Holy Spirit.” There are several angels in this nativity story. Do you think people still see angels today?

There are several angels in this nativity story. Do you think people still see angels today? Do you believe that these really were angelic visitations, or are you sceptical? Scepticism is one of the curses of our “modern” era, and sadly it can cause much pain. “I don’t believe it unless I can see it” makes a person lord of his own life, and leaves out any spiritual aspect.

The result of angelic visitations in the Bible often caused a complete turn around in a situation. As in this nativity story.

What do you suppose was Joseph’s first thought about the baby being conceived by the Holy Spirit? That can’t have been an easy thing to believe. Maybe Mary had already told him that, maybe not.

In a much smaller way of looking at things, every believer has been “made pregnant” by the Holy Spirit, not to produce a baby, but He has planted in each one of us His projects, His plans.

I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

Action

Dare you pray for more of the supernatural in your own life? Ask the Lord to open your eyes to be more aware when there are supernatural things going on around you. Pray that Jesus will bring encouragement to you as you continue with this study. Try to encourage someone else today with those words from Jeremiah.