The birth of Jesus caused a predicament for Joseph. Joseph was a righteous man (Matthew 1:19) The fact that Mary was pregnant before they were married cause him deep concern. Like any human his imagination probably ran wild. He most likely experienced emotions like jealousy, anger and confusion. As far as he could tell Mary had been unfaithful to him.  You and I might think that they were only engaged and they he could have just broken off the engagement. But we would be wrong. In the Jewish culture there were three steps to marriage.
1.    The Engagement: Back in the day the parents usually decided who a child was to marry. Usually at a very young age. (I would like to reinstate this policy only at a much older age!)
2.    The Betrothal: More legal than an engagement. At a determined time, the couple agreed or disagreed with the engagement. If they followed through, the betrothal was immediately binding.  A legal divorce was thereafter required. When Joseph discovered Mary was pregnant they were already betrothed. (Matthew 1:18 NASB)
3.    The Marriage: The consummation of the couple took place. It should be noted that in Joseph’s case, consummation did not happen until after Jesus’ birth. (Matthew 1:25)

Joseph was torn. He struggled with his options. He was a righteous man, good man, and he loved Mary deeply so he did not want to turn her over to the authorities to be disgraced. So because of his deep love for her he decided to divorce her quietly and secretly.  Joseph finds himself in this predicament because Jesus came into his life, into his world.

It is the same with us. Because Jesus came into this world we
are in a predicament. What is our predicament? Every person is now forced to make a decision about Jesus and His claims. So just what does Jesus claim?  He claims that He is God. That He has come to save us.  John 10: 25-30  says,
Jesus replied, “I have already told you, (Who I Am) and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

What do you believe about Jesus? You and I are forced to make a decision about Him. So this Christmas what will you do with the predicament that Jesus has put you in? Read about Him once again and choose wisely.

Visit LightHouse Family Church website to find out what to do.                             http://lhfc.org/im_new/what_to_expect

Merry Christmas

Pastor Morri