The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” – Luke 1:28
Mary’s Calling
We can see that Mary had a moment when her life changed forever. The angel Gabriel visited her, bringing news that she would conceive the Savior, Jesus Christ. This beautiful calling reminds us of how simply saying ‘yes’ to God can change our lives and the world around us. Mary’s faith and trust in God’s plan inspire us to be receptive to His calling in our lives, no matter how daunting it may seem.
Luke 1:30
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” – Luke 1:30
Luke 1:31
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. – Luke 1:31
Luke 1:32
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. – Luke 1:32
Luke 1:33
And he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” – Luke 1:33
Luke 1:38
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. – Luke 1:38
Joseph’s Faithfulness
In the story of Mary and Joseph, we find Joseph’s unwavering faith. When faced with uncertainty and fear, he chose to trust God’s plan and protect Mary and Jesus. Joseph’s example teaches us the importance of being faithful and responsive to God’s prompts, even when we face difficult situations.
Matthew 1:19
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. – Matthew 1:19
Matthew 1:20
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.” – Matthew 1:20
Matthew 1:21
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. – Matthew 1:21
Matthew 1:24
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. – Matthew 1:24
Matthew 2:13
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” – Matthew 2:13
The Birth of Jesus
As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, we see the incredible circumstances surrounding His arrival in this world. Mary and Joseph’s humble faith led them to bring Jesus into the world under challenging conditions. This moment is a reminder for us that we can always find hope and light in the darkest places.
Luke 2:6
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. – Luke 2:6
Luke 2:7
And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. – Luke 2:7
Luke 2:10
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” – Luke 2:10
Luke 2:11
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. – Luke 2:11
Luke 2:12
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. – Luke 2:12
Mary’s Strength
Mary exemplified remarkable strength, facing societal pressures and challenges as an unwed mother. Her courage in accepting her role is a powerful reminder of the strength we can find in God during very challenging times. It encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, knowing that God is with us no matter how tough the journey may seem.
Luke 1:46
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, – Luke 1:46
Luke 1:47
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, – Luke 1:47
Luke 1:48
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. – Luke 1:48
Luke 1:49
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. – Luke 1:49
Luke 1:50
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. – Luke 1:50
Joseph’s Protection
Joseph was an essential protector of Mary and Jesus. His role was not just as a husband but as a guardian in their time of need. This teaches us to rise to our responsibilities and protects those we love, even when we feel overwhelmed. Joseph’s actions remind us to trust in God and take our roles seriously, ensuring the safety and well-being of our families.
Matthew 2:14
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, – Matthew 2:14
Matthew 2:15
where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” – Matthew 2:15
Matthew 2:19
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt – Matthew 2:19
Matthew 2:20
and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” – Matthew 2:20
Matthew 2:21
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. – Matthew 2:21
The Family Together
Mary and Joseph’s commitment to family is a beautiful example for us. They faced challenges, yet they stood united in their mission to raise Jesus. This unity within the family echoes the importance of supporting one another, creating a loving and nurturing environment, which can leave a lasting impact on future generations. Together, as a family, there is strength and purpose.
Luke 2:39
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. – Luke 2:39
Luke 2:40
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. – Luke 2:40
Luke 2:51
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. – Luke 2:51
Luke 2:52
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. – Luke 2:52
Matthew 12:50
For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” – Matthew 12:50
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the lives of Mary and Joseph offers us powerful examples of faith and family. Their obedience, courage, and love shine brightly through the biblical narrative. We learn the importance of trusting God’s plan and supporting one another as a family through all challenges. Their story encourages us to be open to God’s calling and to embrace our roles in our families while nurturing each other in love and wisdom.
Through their example, we are motivated to trust God with our lives and be mindful that our actions can create a ripple effect for future generations. Let us hold onto the lessons we learn from Mary and Joseph, knowing that with faith, we can navigate life’s challenges together.
As we explore more inspiring stories and divine lessons, we can uncover various topics to enrich our journey in faith, like foster care and adoption or other insightful teachings at Bible Repository.