Jesse Tree Devotional for December 23rd

December 23

A Plan Like no Other

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Joseph being a righteous man—and a carpenter—has a blueprint for a seemingly wise plan.

But God pierces a midnight dream with blinding light to tell righteous Joseph that his plan to quietly put Mary away isn’t a good one. Because he is betrothed to one carrying a baby who is unlike any other baby ever to draw in breath and cry on this planet. This baby is God. Very God with us.

Sometimes I too have drafted up what I consider righteous, goodly plans…and Light Himself shatters my night and says that there is another way…a brilliant , stunning way to God with us.

As radical and unbelievable as that plan sounds….it’s the plan I choose to wildly embrace.

Lord, You take the plans I build and turn them on their head! Imagine—who would ever have thought God would come and be with the likes of us?!! Come and change all my plans!