He Will Save His People From Their Sins

20But 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. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1

Don't you wish an angel would come to your husband in a dream every time he doubted you and misunderstood what was going on!? What a blessing!

Joseph was an upright man. He didn't want to marry an adulterous, but he also didn't want to humiliate her. The angel came to provide him with assurance and direction.

Again, the angel confirms what the baby is to be named. Again, he re-iterates the purpose of his life: He will save His people from their sins!

I was wondering this week about all the distractions this time of year. Christians are continually challenged to put Christ back into Christmas. Stores are boycotted for not saying "Merry Christmas." We debate whether Santa is okay to include or whether it is Satan with the letters mixed up. I laugh at some of the hubbub and really just get sad at the rest of it.

Could it be, though, that the real reason it is difficult for us to focus on Christ's coming, is simply because we aren't truly excited about what He came to do? It is easy to forget what it would be like to live in a life of sin with no hope...especially if you began your relationship with Jesus as a child. But think about it just for a minute. His whole purpose in coming was to save His people from their sins! That is what we celebrate at Christmas!

With the kids: When you talk to your kids about Christmas, consider expanding on why we celebrate. Instead of just celebrating "Jesus' birth", how about we celebrate Jesus coming to save us. See how many times you can mention it today when you are with your kids. Maybe even quiz them several times: "Why did Jesus come?"

Memorizing: 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21