This post is Day 8 in a series of studies about “Surprises”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Surprises – Day 8

One of the most difficult unrecorded conversations in history must have been when Joseph heard about The pregnancy. We are not told how he heard, but the world of film has tried to show us how that happened. We can imagine that it was a life changing surprise for him.

Matthew 1:18-19

Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

The Thought

One of the most difficult unrecorded conversations in history must have been when Joseph heard about Mary’s pregnancy. We are not told how he heard, but the world of film and television has tried several ways to show us how that happened. We can imagine that it was a life changing surprise for him.

The big change must have happened with the dream (Matthew 1:20) when an angel appeared to Joseph assuring him that all was well, and that this baby was from the Lord!!!! That was another huge surprise! Who had ever heard of such a thing? No-one! Before or since!

How do you suppose Mary and Joseph prepared for the birth of God’s Son? That would never have been heard of, there was no-one to turn to for advice. Imagine how delicately they must have held Him once He was born. Never in the history of the world has there been a story like it, and never will there be again. God is full of surprises, and the best ones are unique.

Action

Praise God for the very special gift of His Son on the earth. Think about the times of celebration of Christmas that you have had with friends or family. Do they do justice to this one-and-only world event?

Read Matthew 1 slowly and appreciate the fact that God chose that family line for His Son. Every single person is known to the Lord. Praise Him because that is true for your ancestors too, whoever they were and whether you knew them or not.

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