December 10th

December 10: Matthew 1:18-21

Matthew 1:18-21  (NIV)

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.”

Reflection

The name Jesus is an English version of the Latin translation of the Hebrew name, Joshua, that’s rooted in a Hebrew verb meaning “to rescue, deliver, or save.” It was a common name in the ancient world, but here it takes on special significance. This baby would be named Jesus because he will deliver, rescue, and save his people from their sins.

Scripture teaches us that because of Jesus, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and wash us clean.

What sin can you bring before God today, trusting that you will be forgiven and washed clean?

Prayer

God, the One who saves us from ourselves, help us to not hold too tightly to the very thing you’ve come to save us from.