CHRISTMAS: God's Rescue Plan RealisedSample

Being a Christian does not mean we are spared the anguish and frustrations of life. Problems can appear so big that we sometimes feel unable to do anything. We can act like rabbits trapped by headlights––and feel unable to move. Joseph may have felt this. The woman he was to marry had apparently had sex with another man. Joseph, although deeply hurt, tries to do the honourable thing and divorce her quietly. It needed to be done quietly because if it became known publicly that Mary had committed adultery, she could be stoned to death. And so Joseph was faced with what was probably the biggest disappointment of his life. As he grieved, he had no idea that all of heaven was holding its breath, waiting with eager anticipation for the greatest event in history to unfold––the coming of God to earth. What looked like a tragedy from an earthly perspective was actually God’s glorious initiative. Therefore: involve God in your grief… and watch what God does. Prayer Dear Father, Your purposes will ultimately prevail. You have promised to wipe away every tear from our eyes. I therefore place my life, and my grief, in your hands.