Focus
Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.
Read
Matthew 1:18-25 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do 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 as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Reflect
I have found myself saying many times this year that I can’t believe how fast the year has gone buy. To me, yesterday it was 2018 and I was making lots of great plans for what the year to come. I was determined to make 2019 count. I have resolved to do good, to serve God fearlessly, and to love people even when they are not like me. I succeeded and failed at all of these. I failed the most when I did things my way instead of seeking the direction God wanted me to go.
In our scripture, we see Joseph making a great plan. Just as he was ready to put this plan into action, God showed him a different one. I can only imagine that Joseph was frustrated and hurt when he was deciding what to do. When he finally made a plan, God threw that out the window. That probably did not bring Joseph Joy. But, also how exciting now that we know the whole story.
As we go through this busy season filled with obligations and distracting bright lights, let us also plan for our 2020. Taking time to think and pray about what we need to do and who God is calling us to be. Right now, it may seem like we have the perfect plan and it may get thrown out the window. Think about the whole story, we never know where God will lead us or who God will lead through us. Look for God’s direction in all things.
Pray
Lord, I want to be the person you want me to be, today, tomorrow, and in 2020. Guide me as I set goals and make plans. May the thoughts and desires I have be guided by you and your call for my life. Amen
Go with God!
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