Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a Son, and you are to name him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.
Matthew 1:19-21 & 24
We don’t hear much about Joseph during the holiday season. Yet he has so much to say through his actions. Our scripture says today that “he was a good man.” When Mary came to him and told him she was pregnant with God’s child, what do you think went through Joseph’s mind? How willing would you be to accept this story? How willing would you be to accept the child? If we were truthful, most of us would say, “No way!” Joseph cared enough about Mary that he didn’t want to shame or have her hurt, even though he was hurt. He planned to break the engagement quietly and just walk away. God in His compassion sent an angel to Joseph to reassure him the he was needed, to go ahead with the marriage, and to know that what Mary had told him was the truth, and he obeyed. How special it was for Joseph to stand by Mary, to love her and care for her and her children. We are all needed. God has placed people in your life to nurture and care for you. Have you thanked Him and them lately?
Father, thank You for the many people You have placed around me to care for me. Help me to be aware of those who need my care and give me the courage to step forward and love them. Amen.
Eighth-Day Activities
Today, choose a person you need to send a special card to. Maybe it’s a family member you haven’t talked with for a while or a school friend you’ve been out of touch with. It’s the time of year to reconnect with those we care about. Or maybe it’s just someone who has become special to you. If you’re computer savvy, send them an e-card!
Parents, work with your children to do a homemade card to send to one of their friends or family members. There are many ways you can show caring with very little expense. If you want to do something a bit more, maybe you can get together with someone who has scrapbooking tools. It could be a special time together with friends! There are also many online sites that can help with card ideas for small and older children.
How are Mary and Joseph doing on their travels through your house? Have they visited the garage yet? Maybe tonight they could spend the night there. Be sure to give them a blanket, as it might be cold. Talk to your children about Mary and Joseph sleeping on the ground, about some of the challenges of being outside at night, bugs, animals, etc.
With The Savior 