Man of Faith

Advent Devotional by Don Newman

Art by Danny Lenners

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows:

After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,

before they came together, she was found with

child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a son. And you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” . . . Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her first born son.  And he called His name Jesus.”

                                                                  —Matthew 1:18-21 and 24-25—

The Bible depicts numerous men of faith. Most of these men proved their worth and their love of God by their actions. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, was an eligible young man who was told by an angel in a dream to put himself in a position of scorn by taking a pregnant young woman (Mary) as his wife. He faced trials and hardship along the way, but answered the call of God.
Joseph was a steady presence in young Jesus’ life—teaching him a trade as he grew into a young man. Oh that we all could be so focused and dedicated to follow God’s plan for our lives.

Prayer:
Loving Father, help us to appreciate the plan You have for our lives and to live as Your followers. Amen
by Don Newman