An Unexpected Entrance

Day 8

Scripture

Matthew 1:18-21

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother 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. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

Devotional

Jesus came into this world in a way that was deemed as sinful; he wasn’t born into a perfect family or situation. Mary was looked down upon because society had placed a stigma on her for being with child before marriage.

Why would God send His son to this Earth the way that He did? Why was this perfect baby boy brought into the world in a way that was looked down upon by most?

Jesus was sent to save the black sheep, the ordinary people like you and me. It didn’t matter to God that Jesus was born into a situation that was seen as sinful because we are all sinners and God can use us despite that.

What mattered to God is that Mary followed him and lived out His plan for her life. The way Jesus was brought into the world should give us hope in the fact that God can use ordinary people and sinners like you and me to do amazing things to build His Kingdom. 

Prayer

God, thank you for sending Your Son into the world to save us of our sins. Thank you for loving us as we are and for using us to build Your Kingdom even though we are sinners and have fallen short. Help us to remember that we are not defined by how others perceive us but by your purpose for our lives. Amen

Challenge

Take a moment to think about how God is using you or may want to use you to build His Kingdom. This could be things like sharing His story with others, praying for those around you, and even just spreading love and joy to others this Christmas season. Maybe there is something big God has been calling you to do but you haven’t been able to stop and listen. How is God using you to transform the world around you?

By Kristin Gibson