This week we’re starting the Christmas season in Matthew.

The celebration of Christmas comes with anticipation.

We anticipate the joy and wonder as we reflect on the birth of our Savior. The faces of happy

children are a window into our own childhoods. We spend time with beloved friends and family,

and maybe get a break from the workday routine. I personally love our church’s Christmas Eve

service, which in our home we follow-up with an annual viewing of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

As an adult I anticipate Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day.

But anticipation isn’t always good. There is stress that comes with making plans, searching for

gifts, paying for those gifts, and general busyness. Strained relationships can be tested. For

some, this will be the first Christmas without a loved one and maybe your anticipation veers

toward dread.

We all anticipate things good, bad, or in the case of the radio station that starts playing

Christmas music on November 1 but stops on December 26, inexplicable. This Christmas

season I have a humble suggestion for us anytime we are stressed.

Think about how Joseph navigated the very first Christmas.

He learned his betrothed was pregnant in a very unconventional way and chose the most

righteous way to handle the situation. Then an angel explained the situation and laid out the

plans for Jesus’ birth and that He would save people from their sins. And Joseph immediately

did this:

When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him…

(Matthew 1:24 HCSB)

If you think loading up the kids to visit the grandparents is stressful at Christmas, how about

returning to your hometown for a census on foot with a very pregnant wife and no hotel

reservation? Through every bit of stress and confusion, Joseph steadily and faithfully endured.

He listened to God’s direction and did his part to share his son Jesus with the world.

This Christmas let’s do the same.

But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of

great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was

born for you in the city of David. (Luke 2:10-11 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

You can make a difference in the life of a child by just giving one hour per week. The Amachi Mentoring program provides one on one mentoring for kids whose lives are affected by incarceration. They ask volunteers to give one hour per week for one year. And that one hour can make a huge difference. Find out more at https://www.lexlf.org/amachi