THE BIRTH OF JESUS

Matthew 1:18-25 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to make Mary your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” God with us.  When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son, and he gave Him the name Jesus.

Father, thank You for sending Your only Son to save us, Your unworthy servants.  Lord, please help us become the people You created us to be, and the people Your Son gave His life to save.  Father, give us a strong desire for Your Word and open our hearts and minds to receive it.  Lord, help us to bear Fruit so we may become more Christ-like; by developing His character because we cannot do this without Him.  Father, give us Your love, so we may live in peace and be able to forgive each other; as You love and forgive us.  Lord, give us Your wisdom and the knowledge to implement it in our lives with; self-control and child-like faith; so we may walk with You in truth, as Your servants.  Father, help us become worthy of  Your Son’s sacrifice, and give us Your kindness for the least of us.  Lord, help us teach our children and our children's children Your Word; so they will not stray far from You, and keep them in Your will.  Father, keep us from becoming religious fanatics; but inward changed men and women, who will worship and praise You for who You are, and give us Your strength so we may obey Your Word.  We ask this in Jesus name, Amen.