Plans 2 Prosper U Blog

This is the how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child  through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  (Matthew 1: 18-19, NIV)

Isn’t it interesting that the Christmas story actually begins with adversity.  What was supposed to be a happy time for this couple, Mary and Joseph, as they were to plan their marriage, actually involved a major obstacle.  That obstacle was Jesus.  Isn’t it funny how Jesus can take our plans and our world and turn it  upside down.  Just when you think that you have it figured out, Jesus comes into the picture and changes everything. 

Will you let Jesus into your life this Christmas season?  How will you allow Him to change your plans and your world?  Think about it…

Prophecy: 

the Lord himself will give you a sign:  the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  (Isaiah 7:14, NIV)

Fulfillment: 

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit…………..She 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 2:18,21, NIV)

“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus”…..”How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       (Luke 1:31,34, NIV)

Here you have the first prophecy that I would like to introduce. It’s from Isaiah with the fulfillment found in Matthew and Luke.  Talk about a sign from God- the Virgin Birth.  If only we could get such an obvious one for ourselves…  By means of the Virgin Birth, God was telling us: let there be no mistake- this is His son.

I just love the name Immanuel, don’t you?  Immanuel, of course, means “God is with us.”  Isn’t it great to know that God is with us?  Isn’t it great that God sent His son to be with us?  Just the name Immanuel to the Jews waiting for their King would invoke feelings of hope.  Whenever you feel alone think of Immanuel, Jesus, God’s own son sent to be with us.

and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”  (Matthew 2:2, NIV)

These men who are called kings or wise men were traveling long and far to worship a baby.  Can you imagine traveling through the night to bring gifts to a baby?  I wish that we knew more about these men.  Did they ever see Jesus preach?  Did they know of his death and resurection?  We don’t know.  All that we do know is that they came to worship this infant.  Its interesting.  They weren’t looking for anything in return.  They had no prayer to him to get anything for themselves.  They were there to worship.

During this Christmas season worship Jesus for who he is not for what you can get. 

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. (Matthew 1:19, NIV)

I know that I included this verse with yesterday’s entry.  I just wanted to bring out another point about it.  Reflect on Joseph’s attitude about his news.  Consider that in the days of Mary and Joseph a betrothal (engagement) was much more binding than today and only to be broken by divorce.  Joseph’s first reaction toward’s Mary’s supposed infidelity was toward her and not himself.  She was the guilty one, yet he was concerned with her wellbeing.  This concept is completely foreign to us today and the Holy Spirit was doubtlessly involved in his heart.  God had a plan for Mary and Joseph and it was only fullfilled due to Joseph’s proper attitude. 

When was the last time a loved one had harmed or sinned against you?  How did you react?  What was your response?  Believe me I’m as guilty of lashing out as the next guy.  But I submit to you that Joseph’s attitude is the right one and ever so appropriate for this Christmas season.  Do you have the right attitude for God’s plans to be fulfilled in your life?

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19, NIV)

What more could we ever ask for?  Here Paul is assuring us that God will take care of ALL of our needs.  Notice he doesn’t say “wants,” but he does promise our needs.  Of course, God knows our needs before we even do.  He has perfectly crafted each one of us to be able to handle and deal with anything we will come across in life.  Often, it does seem that we will have trouble making ends meet.  We wonder where the means will come from to take care of a certain problem.   It is during these times that we need to stop and remember the words of Jesus when he was discussing the topic of worry: 

 “So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?”  For the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first His kindgom and His Righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  (Matthew 6:31-33, NIV)

The key to all of this is to seek first “His Kingdom and His Righteousness” and as Paul says and “God will meet all of your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

What are you worrying about now?  Give is up to God at this moment and fully believe that God will in some way provide for your needs.