More Angels

Mt. 1:20-21

"But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Another angel visitation, this time to Joseph. Of course, it would be logical that Joseph would question marrying Mary due to her pregnancy, but that was no problem for God. He just dispatched a messenger to calm Joseph's concerns. What was Joseph's response? Did he question? No, it says that he awoke from sleep and did as the angel said. He obeyed. The hearts of Mary and Joseph were in sync with what God had for them to do.

As Mary and Jospeh were journeying to Bethlehem to be registered, her time came. Since there was no lodging for them, they spent the night in the stable. It was here that the One who fulfilled Scripture, the One who angels had heralded, the One who had come shrouded in miracles was born. He slept in a manger wrapped in swaddling cloths. Such humble beginnings for the Son of God!

But once again, the angel voices interrupted the normal course of activity. This time it was to the shepherds in the fields watching their sheep. Obviously, when the angel of the Lord appeared, they were afraid beyond belief, but the angel said, Fear Not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in  the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. and this will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was a choir of angels all singing, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom His is pleased! What a glorious time! God's messengers bringing glory to His name! What was the response of the shepherds? Did they doubt their eyes and ears? No, they took off to Bethlehem, in fact, they went with haste! The shepherds saw what the angels told them they would, and after relaying their unbelievable story, many wondered. But Mary did more than wonder, she treasured these words in her heart, a treasure that would bring unbelievable joy and unbelievable pain. What an example of a submissive, godly woman. Instead of treasuring, do I often question? Instead of pondering, do I rush ahead in a flurry of activity? Her meek and quiet spirit was truly precious in the sight of God. The shepherds did return to their field glorifying and praising God for all that they had seen and heard. What a great response!

Father,

Keep my heart united with Your heart so that I might be quiet and meek, pondering and meditating on Your words. Keep my response one of glorifying and praising You for all that You have done.

In Jesus name,

Amen