Christmas: Love In Action

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. (Matthew 1:18-19).

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Christmas is soon here with us. Christmas, as it is celebrated worldwide, signifies the birth of Jesus. It is a season of love―God’s love.

Jesus is God's greatest expression of love towards humanity. Jesus is God's greatest gift to humanity. Love is the greatest gift to give. Love gives. Love is generous. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).  Christmas is also a season of forgiveness because love forgives. God loves us. Our sins are forgiven because love covers a multitude of sins. “... [Love] shall cover the multitude of sins.” (Proverbs 10:12, 1Peter 4:8). Our sins are covered, fully paid for if we believe in Christ and have given our lives to Him. 

Now, though the Christmas story—a true historical event― is climaxed by the birth of Jesus, the events that leading to that climax needs equal attention. Mary was engaged to Joseph. And before the final ceremony for the consummation of the marriage, it was discovered Mary was pregnant. 

Reality check: Joseph will feel disappointed, betrayed, cheated, lied to and think of all the emotions that will swell up within him. Naturally, Joseph won’t proceed with the marriage. He was going to call for a divorce (if it were you will you proceed with the marriage?). 

Look at vs 19 again. Joseph was contemplating calling off the marriage, But, and this is where love was displayed. In his contemplation, he was mindful not to disgrace Mary. He was going to deal with the situation in love without openly disgracing Mary. He was going to end it privately to spare Mary any open shame. Great love lesson: let’s learn to deal with any issue with a heart of love without seeking to disgrace people in the process.