![]() ![]() For this too had been foretold in the scriptures. The news of Caesar’s census and the journey to Bethlehem-the birthplace of David-provided further confirmation for them. Joseph and Mary found themselves at the crossroads of promises given and promises fulfilled. Isaiah further prophesied, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse from his roots a Branch will bear fruit” ( Isaiah 11:1) and says how the Spirit of the Lord and his wisdom, counsel, and knowledge would “rest” on him ( Isaiah 11:1-4). He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever ( Isaiah 9:6-7). Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The scriptures promised a Messiah who would reign on David’s throne forever and that he would come as a child, as a son.įor to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. The significance of Gabriel’s statement was most likely not lost on them. “The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever his kingdom will never end” ( Luke 1:32b-33).īoth Mary and Joseph were descendants of King David. ![]() His ready obedience suggests Joseph, like Mary, believed God and could see that Isaiah’s prophecy was being fulfilled through Mary and him. Joseph’s thoughts and words in response are not recorded, only that he got up and did as the angel commanded. Matthew points out that this occurred to fulfill the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Matthew translates Immanuel: “God with us” ( Matthew 1:23). ![]() 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” ( Matthew 1:20-21). As he thought about quietly cutting ties with Mary, an angel appeared to him in a dream: “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. The life he had planned with his future bride had been turned on its head. Joseph’s initial response to Mary’s news was to end the engagement quietly. Let’s look at a few of these as Mary heard them on that day.Īll this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means 'God with us')" ( Matthew 1:22-23). Some of our traditions-decorating a Jesse Tree, for example-include looking back over these prophecies to see how God’s plan for redemption unfolded. In the season of Advent, we remember the Old Testament promises of a Savior who was revealed in the New Testament. Learning her part, she responded with beautiful humility, “I am the Lord’s servant.May your word to me be fulfilled” ( Luke 1:38). Young Mary found herself caught up in events foretold throughout the Hebrew scriptures. ![]() What he told her changed all the plans she had for a life with her fiancé, Joseph. One day a young Hebrew girl was minding her own business when an angel of the Lord appeared to her. ![]()
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