Wednesday, December 25 
CHRISTMAS DAY
Title: TRANSFORMED FOREVER BY CHRIST’S AMAZING LOVE
Scripture: Luke 2: 15-19
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.  When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Poetry: 
Christmas Green
By Scott Cairns

Just now the earth recalls His stunning visitation. Now
the earth and scattered habitants attend to what is possible: that He
of a morning entered this, our meagered circumstance, and so
relit the fuse igniting life in them, igniting life in all the dim
surround. And look, the earth adopts a kindly áffect. Look,
we almost see our long estrangement from it overcome.
The air is scented with the prayer of pines, the earth is softened
for our brief embrace, the fuse continues bearing to all elements
a curative despite the grave, and here within our winter this,
the rising pulse, bears still the promise of our quickening. 

BEING FAITHFUL IN THE MESS OF LIFE

On this Christmas morning, this passage provides us a glimpse of those who are gathered around the manger, gazing at the newborn child. And, if we are inclined to close our eyes and ponder this moment, there is one character in the story for which our pondering will be brief. Joseph. He is no more active in this scene than the Joseph porcelain figurine found in manger scenes, which make their way into homes this time of the year.

Prior to this scene, Luke has only mentioned that Joseph is engaged to Mary (1:27; 2:5) and that he obeyed the decree of Quirinius, requiring all to return to their city to register for a census (2:1-3). After this scene, Luke only mentions that Joseph 1) obeyed the Law of Moses by bringing Jesus to the Temple to present him before the Lord and offer a sacrifice (2:21-39); and 2) made the pilgrimage to observe the Passover, spending the “full number of days” (2:43), when Jesus was twelve years old (2:41-51).

Does Luke provide us with anything about Joseph that might help us see him as more than a porcelain figurine in a manger scene? I learn that he is a man of integrity, who submitted himself to the Lord, even obeying his earthly rulers. He is a man who did what needed to be done. One could rely on Joseph to do the right thing. And I imagine that whatever he did, he did in reliance upon the Lord. Simply put, he was faithful in the mess of life. So, as we consider Joseph, how was he faithful in the mess of life?

·      On the journey, he prayed to his Father as he wrestled with his predicament, one that only he would experience. ”Lord, give me faith to believe all that is happening to me!”
·      As he navigated the journey, he no doubt met Mary’s every need, ensuring her safety. ”Lord, the timing of this pregnancy has brought me and Mary much difficulty; please, help us!”
·      When there was no place to lodge, he probably panicked and thoughtfully engaged “Plan B” or “Plan C”…or who knows how many plans before finding this cattle stall? “Lord, please, provide a place so that I can care for my precious Mary!”
·      As we enter the stall, he is drenched with sweat, making certain that every detail was cared for, and that Mary could lay comfortably for the painful delivery. ”Lord, I am running out of time; please, protect my wife in these conditions!”
·      After Jesus is placed in the manger, he embraces Mary, wiping the sweat off her forehead and gently kissing her on the lips, and he whispers, “Lord, thank you for guiding us each step of the way; please, give us wisdom as we raise our Savior!”
·      When the shepherds arrive with their message from the angels, his faith is bolstered, and he picks up his son and dances around the stall, laughing deeply and shouting, “I am a Dad…a Dad…Yes, I am a Dad!” before lifting his eyes…and the baby…up towards heaven, “Lord, our Savior is born! I give myself to you, and Mary to you, and this child to you; please help us as this child’s guardians to make our home a place that exalts you in all things.”

And, before he closed his eyes to rest, Joseph made sure Mary and the baby were comfortable and that preparations were ready for the uncertainties of the next day…he knew what needed to be done. Mary and the baby…and the Lord…could rely on Joseph to be a godly man and do the right thing.

As we look more closely, Joseph is more than a porcelain figurine in a manger scene…he is a man, who is marked by faithfulness and lovingkindness, living for God’s purposes in this world with a desire to love him and others.

Prayer:
“Lord, help us, like Joseph, to be faithful in the everyday events of life, looking to you for guidance and strength. Help us to love you and those around us in the simple, or difficult, ways you call us to love. In the name of our Savior,
Amen.”

Dr. David L. Talley
Chair, Old Testament Department
Talbot School of Theology
Biola University

For more information about the artwork, music, and poetry selected for this day, we have provided resources under the “About” tab located next to the “Devotional” tab.