Devotion

The Family of Christmas

"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. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered 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 home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from 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.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife..'" (Matthew 2:1-2)

When we think about the first Christmas, we often imagine angels, shepherds, and a bright star. But at the heart of the Christmas story is something wonderfully ordinary: a family. Joseph was a carpenter—a regular working man with a toolbox and a small business. Mary was a young woman from a little town called Nazareth. They were engaged to be married and probably dreaming about their future together. Then everything changed.

When Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant, he faced an impossible situation. He knew the baby wasn't his. He felt confused, hurt, and unsure what to do. The Bible tells us he planned to quietly break off their engagement because he was a kind man and didn't want to embarrass Mary. But then God sent an angel with a message that changed everything: "Joseph, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby she is carrying is from the Holy Spirit. She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." God was inviting Joseph and Mary to be part of the most important event in history—the birth of His Son. And here's the amazing part: verse 24 simply says, "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him."

Joseph didn't have all the answers. He didn't know exactly how everything would work out. But he chose to trust God and say yes. He married Mary, protected her, and gave baby Jesus a home and a name. He became the earthly father to the Son of God—not because he was perfect, but because he was willing. The Christmas story reminds us that God loves to work through families. He could have sent Jesus to earth in any way He wanted, but He chose to send Him into a family—with a mom and a dad who would love Him, teach Him, and care for Him. God values families that much.

Just like Joseph and Mary, God invites our families to be part of His plans today. Maybe that means being kind to someone who needs a friend at school. Maybe it means your family helps serve dinner at a community meal or donates gifts to children who need them. Maybe it means being patient with your siblings even when they're annoying, or helping your parents without being asked. God doesn't need perfect families—there's no such thing! He simply looks for families who will say yes to Him, just like Joseph did. Every time your family chooses to love, serve, and follow God together, you're continuing the story that started in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. This Christmas, remember that the same God who invited an ordinary carpenter and his young fiancée to be part of His incredible plan is inviting your family too.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the indescribable gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank you for this wonderful reminder of the gift of family this Christmas and ways that we can honour Him together. This Christmas, let us never forget that Jesus is the greatest gift we could ever receive. In His precious name we pray, Amen.

Blessings!

Will Wallace

Principal