HOPE FOR THE HOME: Family reflections on Christmas Part II

Jerry: Joseph was the earthly parent of Jesus. How difficult it must have been for him knowing that Jesus was the Son of God. In Matthew 1:20-21, the angel Gabriel, said to Joseph, “…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 give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name, Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” It was a difficult task but so is parenting today. Dad and Mom, if you will seek the wisdom of God in raising your children you need not be anxious for their future. When you have been obedient in parenting then you have done all you can do. Mary and Joseph were not perfect parents, but they were willing and obedient in seeking the wisdom of God. As God gave wisdom and assurance to Joseph, He will do the same for all fathers who seek Him.

 

Becky: The first gifts the baby Jesus received where brought by the Magi. Those gifts were given as a token of their adoration and worship. Matthew 2:11 tells us what they gave the Christ child, “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” The gifts were a preview of what was to come in the life of Jesus. The Gold represented Jesus’ Kingship, Frankincense symbolized Jesus’ role as Priest and myrrh was a symbol of Jesus’ death and embalmment. Take time to read the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus and then help your children understand that when Jesus was born, He fulfilled prophesies that were hundreds of years old. There is one gift which will last for eternity. It is not Gold, Frankincense or Myrrh. It is the gift of Jesus which is available to everyone.