Saturday's Scripture Story
for the Week
The Birth of Jesus, the Christ
Matthew 1:18-25
18 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 pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 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 take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 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.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Pondering Point
This is a story of Jesus' birth from the perspective of Joseph, called upon to serve as Jesus’ earthly father. It took a visit from Heaven to convince this righteous man of God that this baby in Mary’s womb was God's idea and that he should stick around and play his part.
Prayer Prompt
Mary is described as highly favored by God. Joseph is described as a righteous man by the scriptures. What words might be used by God to describe you? Or to describe your relationship with Him?