By Mike Caton

Matthew 1:18, “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.”

Luke gives us the more details about the birth of Jesus (but it is still a relatively short account), but I just like the way Matthew starts here: This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about. Maybe because Matthew was a tax collector, he was simply about the facts. There are no extra details given; nothing about Zechariah in the temple, nothing about John the Baptist, nothing about the angel Gabriel, nothing about trip to Bethlehem, the angels, the shepherds, the manger and so forth.

But can you imagine the reaction this news would bring about? Gabriel appeared to Mary, greeted her as highly favored and told her about her pregnancy. Just imagine the questions, fears and doubts that have to be going through Mary’s mind. Who did she tell first? Joseph, her mom, a best friend, we are not told. But that had to be a hard conversation. Joseph didn’t believe her, he intended to divorce her, but was trying to preserve whatever dignity she had left by doing it quietly.

Mary’s reaction to all of Gabriel’s news is priceless, and one we ought to strive for as well. She said in Luke 1:38, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Mary says, Whatever you want Lord, is fine. You can count on me. That needs to be the attitude we have as well. Lord, whatever you ask of me is fine. I will do it to the best of the ability that you give to me. We have all had to do uncomfortable things, things we had rather not do, maybe even thing we didn’t think we could do. But the Lord has promised us that he will be with us always, Jesus was called Emmanuel, God with us. As we go through the holiday season, let’s remember Jesus came to us. He lived and died for us. And he lives again for us and promised to be with us always.

Father, thank you for Jesus’ coming. In His name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works full time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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