Abbey Christmas: Love Week 2 Day 1

Love: Day 1 - Joseph 

Matthew 1:18-20; 24-25

To many people, Joseph is the least significant person in the Christmas story. He doesn’t naturally contribute to the birth of Jesus, yet he is a central part of the entire ordeal. There are choices that Joseph makes that allow the rest of the story to happen.

Just like Mary was chosen to be the vessel through which our Savior was delivered into the world, Joseph was chosen to be a servant, a protector, and a provider for the Messiah and his earthly mother. One of the main reasons I think Joseph was chosen was for his capacity to love. And the kind of love Joseph gives is a sacrificial kind. It’s not self-serving. It’s not glamorous. It’s not convenient. It’s the costly kind of love. And It’s a fearless love that trusts that God will take care of the scary parts.

We, of course, know who ultimately made the costliest act of love the world has ever seen. But even before Jesus makes it into the world, he is born into a family and to an earthly father where love means dying to himself, honoring his wife and glorifying God no matter the cost.

Reflection

Morning Pause:  Joseph was willing to quietly give up his marriage to Mary in order to spare her public shame. Think about who God may be calling you to love sacrificially and how you can put the needs of someone else above your own. 

Afternoon Pause: The angel of the Lord told Joseph not to fear. In order for us to love the way God loves, we must be fearless enough to trust God. What fears do you have about loving like Jesus? After you identify your fears ask God to help you overcome them.

Evening Pause: Joseph didn’t get a whole lot of credit for loving the way he did. People may not have noticed the steps you took today to love others well. But God saw it. Spend some time tonight thanking God for the opportunities to love and reflect Him.