Sunday, December 8, 2013

Countdown to Christmas - Week 4

The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced. Matthew 1:18-19 The Message Bible

To be engaged to someone at this time was as legally binding as being married. The only difference was that the couple was not yet living together, and thus, unlike many couples today, not sleeping together. Joseph’s only option when he found out that Mary was pregnant was to cancel the marriage contract and divorce her. He could have done this publicly and given the masses the right to stone her. Or he could do it quietly in front of two witnesses, which would save Mary’s honor and her life.


Joseph had a lot to think about. When we are faced with difficulties, do we look at all possible solutions? Do we submit to God's authority? Or do we plunge in and do the first thing we think of? Next time you have a challenge to face, look at all your options before taking action. And most importantly, take time to pray.


(Every Sunday from now until Christmas, I will be sharing an excerpt from “The Christmas Story in 40 Days”. A friend of mine gave me a rubber duckie Nativity set to add to my rubber duckie collection. I went a little crazy taking pictures of these ducks, but hopefully, if you find my words boring, at least the pictures over the next six weeks will keep you coming back for more. And if you don’t find my words boring, don’t forget to order your copy of “The Christmas Story in 40 Days” before the forty days is up.)

3 comments:

Denise said...

My challenge since Sept 25, has been "Not to run screaming out of work & never come back." The new computer program EPIC has been a huge road block for me. But last week was the first week I didn't cry or walk away from my laptop with my hands in the air in a feeling of hopelessness. YAY for me.

Chris Loehmer Kincaid said...

Denise, did I ever tell you about the first day we went live with our new computer system at work? I ended up hiding in a store room, crying, and had to take off my sock to use as a Kleenex before going back to work! Now, that's pathetic. And four years later, there are days I still want to take my laptop out to the parking lot at work and run it over with my car. Hang in there! It obviously doesn't get better!

Denise said...

No, you didn't share that bit of wisdom. Ohhhh BTW, I'm tired of hearing, give it time, you will learn to love it. Thanks for sharing Chris.