Advent Devotionals

Advent Day 5: Joseph's Dream and Acceptance of Jesus

Read Matthew 1:18-25

In Matthew 1:18-25, we meet Joseph, a kind carpenter who is engaged to Mary. Joseph soon found out Mary was going to have a baby, but not his baby. When he found out,  Joseph thought about ending the engagement quietly. But then, an angel showed up in a dream, saying, "Don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife. This baby is special—sent by God." Joseph listened and did what the angel said.

This Advent, let's think about Joseph. When things got confusing and different from what he had in his plan, he put his trust in God. Sometimes life doesn't go how we expect and things happen differently then we plan. But like Joseph, we can trust that God has a special plan for us. As we get ready for Christmas, let's be open to God's surprises and remember that, just like Joseph, we can find peace and joy in trusting God's way, even when it seems a unexpected.

Prayer: God, your plans are higher than my plans. Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. Help me to listen and to obey you even when things don't go my way. Thank you that your plan is perfect. Amen.