SUNDAY December 3, 2023
The Christmas Story
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:18
Jesus Christ’s birth was introduced to the world through a young virgin–– Mary. God had chosen her from among women to become the mother of our Savior. Understand, Joseph had nothing to do with her pregnancy. Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, and she became pregnant. This miraculous event is called the virgin birth, and it fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14.
Joseph was not sexually intimate with Mary until after Jesus was born. In fact, the Bible shows us that after the birth of Jesus, Mary had other children. The Lord blessed her with sons and daughters:
Matthew 12:46-47: While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.”
Matthew 13:55-56: “Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us?”
Jesus was not an only child; He had brothers and sisters. He came from a big family. His mother’s name Mary means “bitterness.” From the cradle to the Cross, she would experience, not only the joys of motherhood––holding Immanuel in her arms––but she also suffered bitterness because she would later see her Son’s death on the Cross for the sins of the world. Chosen from among women, Mary, the mother of the Son of God, went through so much.
Infinite, and an infant. Eternal, and yet born of a woman. Almighty, and yet hanging on a woman’s breast. Supporting a universe, and yet needing to be carried in a mother’s arms. King of angels, and yet the reputed son of Joseph. Heir of all things, and yet the carpenter’s despised son.
~Charles Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
