God is sovereign and His ways are not ours [Isaiah 55:8]. Before Mary and Joseph, Jesus' parents, were married, Mary was found with child as it says in verse 18. Imagine this with me, just a few days prior to your wedding, you found out your fiancée was pregnant and you know very well you have never been intimate... That was how Joseph might have felt.

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In verse 19, the text says "And Joseph her [promised] husband, being a just and righteous man and not wanting to expose her publicly to shame, planned to send her away and divorce her quietly". I would probably think the same, because its hard to wrap your head around trusting your fiancée when she's carrying a child that's not yours. But then something happened...

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In verse 20, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. God, who knows the heart of men, the discerner of our thoughts, the one who knows us through and through, sends a message to course correct Joseph. To correct his fear, his worry and to instruct him. Now Joesph was deemed a righteous man so he decides to quietly let Mary go. But God's message implies, Joseph, see beyond your self-righteousness, the prestige, your self worth and take Mary as your wife because what she carries is not about your ego! She carries a child conceived within her by the Holy Spirit. God always speaks directly to our hearts.

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In verses 24-25, Joseph did as the angel has commanded in the dream, he obeyed. As much as this season is of joy to the world, this is equally a season of reminded obedience to God. It is a reminder to lay down all crowns of importance and self-righteousness that comes with religion and yield to the Holy Spirit.

It is also a reminder that God can work through ways we might deem unorthodox, because our thoughts are not His thoughts. Has He asked you to do anything that you deem unorthodox? Please Obey!

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Lastly, a reminder that it has never been about us nor will it ever be. It's always about Jesus, God, the Son of God, and it is always a privilege to be under His Lordship!