December Devotions and Doodles – Day 12 (December 12)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-23
18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.
20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel,
which is translated “God is with us.”
December 12 Devotional: God with Us
Today our reading focuses on one of the most ignored figures in the Christmas story: Joseph. Even the shepherds get more air time, so to speak, than this man who was chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus.
A Righteous Man
The Gospel of Matthew calls Joseph “a righteous man” and tells us through his decisions about Mary that he wanted to do what was right. He wanted to live within God’s will, but also to be compassionate toward Mary, whom he naturally assumed was carrying a child that was not his because of her sinful behavior.
A Thoughtful Man
Matthew 1:20 says,
20 But after he had considered these things,…
Joseph had considered his and Mary’s situation. He appears to be a thoughtful and careful man, not given to reacting out of emotion or anger.
A Faith-Filled Man
The angel tells Joseph not to be afraid and explains what has really happened with Mary. Prophecy has been fulfilled.
Joseph wakes up and does what He has been instructed to do. He doesn’t argue with the angel. Joseph doesn’t spend more time in thought or consideration about what was best for him and his reputation. He acts in faith, believing in God’s plan, both for his family and the world.
What a remarkable man! Joseph is an example to us all.
God is With Us
Because Joseph was a righteous man, a thoughtful man, a faith-filled man, he got to be a part of prophecy fulfilled. God was with him, right in his home. Imagine your home being chosen to be the home of “God with us.”
December 12 – Action Step:
What about us today (December 12)?
Are we making our homes a place where it is evident that God is with us? Are we righteous, thoughtful, and faith-filled people in whom the Spirit of God resides? Have we established Immanuel as Lord of our lives and homes?
Or, are our homes too busy to see the Savior? Too stress to rest in His peace? Too focused on our selves to provide a place for “God with us”?
Prayer:
Dear God, Help us to slow down a little this season and feel Your presence in our homes and in our lives this season. God be with us and in us as we celebrate our Savior. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Drawing Tutorial – December 12: How to Draw Joseph
- Start with a rectangle that curves in slightly at the top. Add a diagonal sash that begins about a fourth of the way down on the right side and ends halfway down on the left side.
- Add an oval that is open on the top for a head and two small ovals under the rectangle which are connected to it with straight lines.
- Two slightly curved lines (close together) right above the head are added. Under them, draw four half-circles. Finish with a semi-circle top of the headpiece and a line down from each side.
- A rounded triangle on the left makes one arm and a line going out of the right side at a diagonal creates the other.
- Where your diagonal right arm ends, draw a straight line that goes from the line of the shoulder to the bottom edge of the robe. Then, create a parallel line close to it. Continue those two line up and hook around to make your shepherd’s hook. Close each end of it. One small and one tiny circle make the hand peeking around the staff.
- Finish Joseph with a smiley face!
Click here to check out other posts in this series: December Devotions and Doodles!