Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way. While his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband to be, was a righteous man, and because he did not want to disgrace her, he intended to divorce her privately. Matthew 1:18-19 New English Translation (NET Bible)
In those days, a betrothal was as binding as marriage is today. It took divorce to end it. But notice the character of the one God chose to raise His Son: Joseph is righteous … and incredibly kind. He did not stand on his rights, he refused to expose Mary to public humiliation. In a world that is quick to point fingers, kindness is a rare commodity. Yet kindness is twice blessed: it blesses the giver as well as the receiver.
“I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world.” Norman Vincent Peale
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Joy to the world! the Savior reigns: let men their songs employ!
While field and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy!
