Advent 10

 Joseph’s obedience and humility is an example to follow. How compelled am I to obey what I know to be true?  Joseph was obviously compelled to do what was right. He could sense God’s presence and reassurance that He would NEVER leave or forsake him, regardless of what others thought of him. Joseph’s integrity and character were based on what God had told him through the angel.  For us, we have so many resources and evidence that our faith is real and true, yet the pressures of the world crowd out what we know to be true. May we grow in our love and awe, that we follow Joseph’s example. 

“So here’s what the Christmas story is all about: a willing Savior is born to rescue unwilling people from themselves because there is no other way. Jesus was willing to leave the splendor of eternity to come to this broken and groaning world. He was willing to take on human flesh with all its frailty. He was willing to endure an ignominious birth in a stable. He was willing to go through the dependency of childhood. He was willing to expose himself to all the hardships of life in this fallen world. He was willing to submit to his own law. He was willing to do his Father’s will at every point. He was willing to serve, when he deserved to be served. He was willing to be misunderstood and mistreated. He was willing to endure rejection and gross injustice. He was willing to preach a message that would cause him personal harm. He was willing to suffer public mockery. He was willing to endure physical torture. He was willing to go through the pain of his Father’s rejection. He was willing to die. He was willing to rise and ascend to be our constant advocate. Jesus was willing.” - Paul David Tripp, Come, Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional