December 7: The Virgin Birth: God's Perfect Plan
♫ Music:
Monday, December 7
Scripture: Matthew 1:22-23
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
THE VIRGIN BIRTH: GOD’S PERFECT PLAN
Nothing in this life comes as a surprise to God.
This amazing passage reflects on a time for Joseph that was perhaps one of his life’s greatest trials and tests. The girl to whom he was to be married was pregnant and he knew it was not his child! Can you imagine the feelings he was having? Anger, betrayal, confusion, and distrust must have surrounded his every thought. “How could something like this have happened… to me?”
We know he must have had strong feelings for Mary and felt betrayed, for scripture tells us “because he was a righteous man he was already planning to not disgrace her, and was going to send her away secretly.” I’m sure he was thinking, “this is a disaster and changes the perfect plan that I had for my life—that we had for our lives!”
But nothing surprises the Lord.
God had known his amazing plan for mankind and for Joseph and Mary since the beginning of time, and had disclosed his plan more than 700 years before through the prophet Isaiah. And again, that night, through the angel in a dream the plan was revealed to Joseph: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a son; and you shall call His name Jesus for He will save His people from their sins.”
God’s message for Joseph and us: “Dear one, don’t be afraid. I have a plan for you that is bigger than you can even imagine.” When Joseph awoke from the dream, he did as the angel had commanded him and took Mary as his wife. And their adventure began.
What is the challenge in your life today? What is the circumstance that has knocked you down, changed everything, and driven you to your knees? What is it that makes you cry out, how could this have happened to me?
God’s simple message for Joseph 2000 years ago is a reminder for us today: Don’t be afraid, this does not surprise me; I have a plan for you!
PRAYER
Father, I thank You for Your perfect plan of Salvation. I thank You for the virgin birth of our Savior Jesus, for His life and ministry, and for His death and resurrection that paid the penalty for our sin. May we be reminded today that You have a perfect plan for us, no matter the circumstance and that nothing comes as a surprise to you. And father, as you reveal your plan to us in your perfect time, may we be found faithful. In our Savior Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Rick Bee, Senior Director, Alumni and Parents
About the Artists and Art
Artwork #1
Adoration of the Child
Stefan Lochner
Book Illumination
Alte Pinakothek, Munich
Artwork #2
Nativity Panel
Father Patrick Doolan, St. Gregory of Sinai Icon Workshop
Fresco
St. Seraphim of Sarov Russian Orthodox Church, Santa Rosa, CA
Stefan Lochner (1410-1451) was a late Gothic painter and considered to be the greatest representative of the school of Cologne. He is known primarily for his highly mystical religious paintings. The abundance of minute details reflects his awareness and interest in Netherlandish art. Lochner combined naturalism with a masterful sense of bold color and design. His work is perhaps the most successful representation of late medieval German mysticism prior to Grunewald. This nativity is an example of book illumination, which is also done in his workshop.
Father Patrick Doolan is a noted iconographer at St. Gregory of Sinai Monastery in Northern California. Trained by the Russian iconographer and iconologist Leonid Ouspensky, and considered to be a “master of true fresco,” Father Doolan carries on the traditions of religious iconography that capture the essence of the Orthodox faith. Father Doolan and his workshop are currently at work on the interiors of three churches, one in Northern California and two in France. These are life-long projects. The Nativity Panel is from St. Seraphim of Sarov Russian Orthodox Church in Santa Rosa, CA.
Website: www.gsinai.com
About the Music
“Mother of God”
Lyrics
Mary, full of grace,
The Lord your God is with thee.
Blessed are you to bless all the world.
Mary, peace is yours; the Spirit is upon you.
You will be with child, do not fear.
Mother of God,
Your baby boy will grant us peace;
Your baby boy will grant us peace.
Word made flesh, born of virgin Mary.
Hope is in the world, Emmanuel.
The Lamb of God: born to die, He came;
He would show the world a better way.
Emmanuel: God with us,
God with us.
Emmanuel: God with us,
God with us.
Son of God, hear Your people calling.
All cry out for peace, can You hear?
In our despair, we doubt in Your return.
Messiah, will You come once again?
Emmanuel: God with us,
God with us.
Emmanuel: God with us,
God with us.
Emmanuel: God with us,
God with us;
God with us.
About the Composer/Performer
The Brilliance is a contemporary classical music duo composed of David Gungor and John Arndt, originating from Tulsa, Oklahoma. They are one of an emerging new breed of Christian artists who consider humans as storied creatures and put forward a “new liturgy” which both honors the past and points the way forward. Their music explores the essence of who we are as God’s creation and as His reflection. Taking their musicality to new heights, blending strings, keys, percussion and voice, along with poetry and prayer, the Brilliance appeals to diverse audiences--across generations, denominations and cultures.
Website: www.thebrilliancemusic.com