The Christmas Marriage

Luke 1:26–38 and Matthew 1:18–25 offer a glimpse into the events surrounding Joseph and Mary. Both were willing to stand up and be counted in responsiveness, readiness, and willingness, despite the price they had to pay, such as gossip and judgment from others.

Mary

Mary fulfilled the prophecies of old:

• Genesis 3:15: "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel."
• Isaiah 7:14: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."
• Galatians 4:4: "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law."

Lessons from Mary:

• Purity: She kept herself pure (Luke 1:34).
• Submission: She accepted God’s will, knowing the cost (Luke 1:38).
• Worship: She praised God in her song of worship (Luke 1:46–55).
• Self-Control: Mary pondered the events in her heart without seeking attention (Luke 2:19).

Joseph

Joseph exemplified obedience and honor:

• Righteousness: He was a just man, planning to divorce Mary discreetly to avoid public shame (Matthew 1:19).
• Obedience: He took Mary as his wife after the angel’s command, accepting the cost of his decision (Matthew 1:20, 24).
• Self-Control: He refrained from physical relations with Mary until after Jesus’ birth (Matthew 1:25).
• Humility: He worked quietly behind the scenes, fulfilling his role as a husband and father.
• Responsibility: Joseph provided for his family, likely teaching Jesus carpentry skills.
• Faith: He trusted God’s word over his own logic.

Christ: Born to Redeem

There was no "Plan B" with God. Jesus was born to die for humanity’s redemption (Revelation 13:8). His sacrifice was the ultimate price for His bride, the Church:

• Ephesians 1:4: "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world."
• 1 Peter 1:18–19: "You were redeemed... with the precious blood of Christ."
• Ephesians 5:25–27: "Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her."

Are We Ready for the Wedding?

Jesus, our Bridegroom, is preparing His Church for the ultimate wedding banquet, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19). However, preparation is key. Are we ready and wearing the right garments?

Matthew 22:11–14: "When the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment..."