Category: Christmas Decisions

Herod’s Decision

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

King Herod failed royally when faced with two historic decisions that revealed his pretentious pride and pathetic insecurity.

The Wise Men came to Herod’s palace seeking the newborn king, which was sensible. But when they told Herod a star had led them from the east in search of a new King, they rocked his world. He directed Jewish leaders to research the Magi’s claim and found it to be accurate. Decision one: Protect his kingship. Find this child under the pretense of wanting to honor him.

Aided by the results of the king’s research, the Magi found the Child in Bethlehem, presented their gifts, and worshipped Him. Herod had asked them to come back and tell him where to find this new king, but they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod and took a different route to their home country. They rocked Herod’s world again.

He was furious when he realized he’d been outwitted. Decision two: Double down on protecting his kingship. Find this child-king and make no pretense of worship—kill him. To ensure he destroyed the king-child, he ordered the murder of every boy under two. There was no Mary-like humility, no Joseph-like submission, only militant pride.

A decision is a personal choice, and there is always a choice. Only a humble, submitted heart—one that wants what God wants—will keep pride and resentment from affecting a choice. Obedience can make us uncomfortable and often brings challenges, but God is watching, guiding, and protecting us, as He did for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Lord, may our hearts seek only you, and nothing of self, pride, or control. You are fully trustworthy.

Quote is from Matthew 2:13.

Joseph’s Decision

~ Barbara ~ 3 Comments

God sent an angel to a troubled carpenter who learned his betrothed, a virgin named Mary, had inconceivably conceived. As far as we know, Mary was innocently going about her day when the angel surprised her with life-changing words. Joseph, on the other hand, was grappling with the disconcerting news that his intended was pregnant. He finally made a grace-filled decision. He would not shame her (as the law permitted) but would quietly divorce her. Decision made… until an angel appeared.

His message unraveled Joseph’s hard-won decision:

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.

As unbelievable as Mary’s story of a miraculous conception sounded, it was true! And Joseph had the integrity, righteousness, and faith to change his anguished but faulty decision. Only a man of substance would do that.

Psalm 139:6 tells me there is knowledge “too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” How foolish to stubbornly cling to my limited understanding, even if it was prayerfully attained! When I acknowledge my reasoning as imperfect and inadequate, I am free to respond with Joseph-like willingness and Mary-like humility. I can choose to trust God and submit to what I cannot comprehend.

Lord, may I not demand understanding but respond to your direction in faith, like Joseph. “He did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”

We may not be privileged with an angelic visit that offers us a peek into the future, but we do have the Holy Spirit, who inspires our faith and directs our hearts. Spirit, help us to trust as Joseph did and base our decisions on your leading.

Quotes taken from Matthew 1:20, 24.

Mary’s Decision

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

God sent the angel Gabriel to a betrothed virgin with an astounding message. The news he brought was not only astonishing to Mary but also to the angels above, and though long-awaited, confounding to the people below.

As surprising as the humble arrival of the Messiah was, it fulfilled what Scripture had foretold, right down to the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14). Could Mary ever have imagined she would be the highly favored woman to give birth to the Savior?

Luke tells us the angel’s words greatly troubled her and made her wonder, but Mary had no decision to make. The angel hadn’t asked for her consent; he told her what will be.

You will conceive and give birth to a son,
and you are to call Him Jesus…
the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:31-32).

Mary’s only decision was how she would respond. Would she beg for more time? Fall to the ground in tears? Demand answers and explanations? Her response came from the fullness of her heart, and her words have inspired us ever since:

I am the Lord’s servant… May it be to me as you have said.”

Lord, how will we respond to your pronouncement that the Messiah has come? Our opinion wasn’t asked. Your plans didn’t need to be informed by our weak intellect. You spoke as you did in creation, and the Savior was incarnated, born to live and die in the humility and limitations of human bonds. Will we struggle until we can grasp the unfathomable? Or simply submit to your perfect plan and live?

I am your servant, Lord. I accept the salvation you offer. May it be to me as you have said, providing me life with you now and in eternity.