2017 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 8

While there is a great deal said about the virgin Mary and her being chosen to be the mother of God's only Son, one has to ask about Joseph, the man chosen to be Christ's earthly mentor. Joseph had to be a patient, understanding man of faith. He is the example of a husband, father, and man that we would do well to emulate. He took Mary and cared for her, protected her, and loved her when many advised him to abandon her. After all, she was pregnant and "It Wasn't His Child". Have a blessed day.

2016 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 3

When Joseph discovered that Mary was expecting a child prior to their formalizing their marriage, he was advised by some to put her away. However God sent him a messenger saying. "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Joseph listened to the angel, obeyed the will of God and a Savior was born. It wasn't his child, it was the Son of God.

2015 Christmas Music Marathon Day 6

While Mary was in the midst of carrying the Savior in her womb, her fiance, Joseph was being advised to not marry her. By all appearances, she had been unfaithful and Joseph seemed to have every right to call off the wedding. But God told Joseph all that he needed to know in order to make the right decision.
" Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife..." Matthew 1:18-22
I'm sure that Mary and Joseph were the topic of much discussion among their neighbors. There were close friends that had advised Joseph not to go through with the marriage. After all, "It Wasn't His Child."

Ruby Tuesday Too - 2014 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 5

 Ruby Tuesday Too
The two ornaments pictured here have a special place in our hearts.  They were among the ornaments that hung on the tree forty-one years ago when my wife and I celebrated our first Christmas together.  They are satin and have a very soft sheen to them as they catch the light.  They are still in very good condition, so I expect to see them on our tree for many years to come.

2014 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 6
An angel appeared to Mary to inform her that she had been chosen by God to give birth to the Savior of this world.  I don't know how anyone could fully understand the meaning of that news.  Mary was engaged to Joesph, not married.  They were going to have to travel to Bethlehem for the census and tax purposes.  There was a storm of controversy surrounding Mary once it was known that she was expecting a child.  Many counseled Joseph to abandon Mary and pursue another direction in his life.  Instead, Joseph listened to the voice of the Lord.  He married his betrothed and they began their journey together.  One has to wonder, how often did Mary sit alone in the evening, giving consideration to the words of the angel and did she understand the significance of the events that were soon to take place. Mary, did you know?                    



And what about Joseph?  After all, It wasn't his child.