December 18
.Bible Verses Covered
Devotion: We don't often think of the challenge that Joseph faced during this time. Imagine the shock of learning that your wife to be was pregnant with a child that was not yours. He was afraid, embarrassed, and angry. How could this be? Luckily, Joseph was a kind man and was not going to make a public example of her, but he did contemplate sending her away and moving on with his life. However, the angel of the Lord appeared to him and explained that Mary was carrying the child of God, Savior of mankind.
We all face disappointment in our lives. Things don't go our way. Maybe we don't land the dream job, we don't get into the top school of our choice, some close us gets sick, our kids make choices we don't agree with . . . Joseph is a great example of keeping the faith, being patient, and trusting that God has a plan. Sometimes things can seem so bleak that our faith is challenged. God's plan for us is a beautiful thing. Looking back on life, you can often see that things worked out for the best. That is God at work.
For our family, we are so happy to be part of such a loving and strong community of faith at Fourth Presbyterian. Our children have the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful church family that will help them learn to be faithful in their lives. Being a part of the family service on Christmas Eve makes the name Emmanuel very real for us as young parents. We truly feel "God with us" on that night.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to trust that you have a plan for us even when things seem difficult. May you indeed be Emmanuel – “God with us” – this entire Advent season. Amen.
Devotion: We don't often think of the challenge that Joseph faced during this time. Imagine the shock of learning that your wife to be was pregnant with a child that was not yours. He was afraid, embarrassed, and angry. How could this be? Luckily, Joseph was a kind man and was not going to make a public example of her, but he did contemplate sending her away and moving on with his life. However, the angel of the Lord appeared to him and explained that Mary was carrying the child of God, Savior of mankind.
We all face disappointment in our lives. Things don't go our way. Maybe we don't land the dream job, we don't get into the top school of our choice, some close us gets sick, our kids make choices we don't agree with . . . Joseph is a great example of keeping the faith, being patient, and trusting that God has a plan. Sometimes things can seem so bleak that our faith is challenged. God's plan for us is a beautiful thing. Looking back on life, you can often see that things worked out for the best. That is God at work.
For our family, we are so happy to be part of such a loving and strong community of faith at Fourth Presbyterian. Our children have the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful church family that will help them learn to be faithful in their lives. Being a part of the family service on Christmas Eve makes the name Emmanuel very real for us as young parents. We truly feel "God with us" on that night.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to trust that you have a plan for us even when things seem difficult. May you indeed be Emmanuel – “God with us” – this entire Advent season. Amen.