Family Matters in the First Christmas
The first two chapters of Luke and Matthew tell us the very familiar Christmas story. Let us consider it in light of what it teaches about family matters.
Singles: Imagine an angel suddenly appearing to you as a single girl and saying you will be the mother of the Son of God! Yet, we learn from Scripture that the choice of Mary was not without reason. She expected to live an ordinary life, but had prepared herself for an extraordinary life. When she praised God while visiting Elizabeth, Mary quoted from 14 Old Testament Scriptures. Her response to the angel, “I am your handmaid” demonstrated her deep love for God. Her surrender cost her her reputation, her plans, her peace, and at times her joy.
Engagement: Matthew tells us that Joseph struggled when he found Mary was with child. He was a just man so wanted to obey Scripture concerning an apparently unfaithful fiancée. He was also a loving man and didn’t want to humiliate Mary publicly. Like his future step-Son he loved both grace and truth. This was Jesus’ earthy influence. When Joseph learned that her child was the Son of God, he took her, knowing he would be accused of favoring love over justice. He too forfeited his reputation to obey God.
Struggles: the world is full of troubles and certainly families are not exempt. The first problem the couple faced was an 80 mile trip during Mary’s last days before delivery. Once they arrived, no relative had an empty room for them. They graciously accepted the shelter of a barn or cave and there, in the filth and stench, Joseph as midwife helped deliver the Son of God! The troubles continued. Their rest was interrupted by a group of shepherds who were told of the birth. The couple decided to stay in Bethlehem. Perhaps it was to avoid wagging tongues back home.
Dedicating a child: Mary and Joseph took their new baby to the Temple twice. Eight days after birth He was circumcised and given the name Jesus. Forty days after birth Mary and Joseph dedicated their first-born to the Lord and offered two turtledoves (evidence they were poor) for Mary’s purification. Though we are not under the law, it is still a good idea, whether public or private, to dedicate our children to God. Ask God to bless and use the child, and ask Him for wisdom in training the child to grow in wisdom and favor with God and man.
Authority: Over a year passed. Now as a married couple, the angel warned Joseph (not Mary) of a threat on Jesus’ life by Herod. Ladies, imagine being awakened by your husband in the night. He just had a dream and you must flee empty-handed 200 miles to another country! Yet Mary trusted that God was speaking through him. God still chooses to work through authority structures, even imperfect ones, to reveal His will for us.