A Genuine Christmas Miracle – By Brother Chuck

"Joseph, this news may be difficult to hear, but I want to be perfectly honest. I'm expecting a baby."

Can you imagine Joseph's reaction to these words? Out of nowhere, Mary declares, "Joseph, I'm pregnant!" He clearly knew he wasn't the father. They were engaged to be married, so it left him in shock! A wave of emotions washed over him.

"Mary, I can't believe this! How could you do this to me? I thought we had a future together, and now you come to me with this news? I feel hurt and betrayed. I don't know what to think or how to feel right now. I really need some time alone to clear my head."

"Joseph, please believe me when I say that the child I carry is not the result of another man's actions, this child is from the Holy Spirit. I understand if this is hard to believe, but I trust in God's plan for us. I hope you can find it in your heart to believe me and stand by me during this challenging time. I know this may be a lot to process, but I believe that with God's guidance, we can get through this together."

"Mary, I just don't know. I can't make sense of this. How can this be? I thought we were waiting until after our wedding to start a family. I feel hurt and confused. I trusted you and now I don't know what to believe."

"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

The Authentic Story of Mary and Joseph

In a quaint village long ago, there lived a young couple named Mary and Joseph. They shared a deep love for one another and eagerly awaited the opportunity to begin a family. However, their joy was shaken when Mary was found to be pregnant before they were married. In their culture, this was a shameful and heartbreaking situation. Joseph, who was a gentle and caring man, initially struggled with the news but ultimately decided it would be best to quietly break off the engagement to protect Mary from public disgrace and humiliation.

Mary was expecting a child, and Joseph knew he wasn't the father. This understanding left him feeling betrayed, hurt, and confused. In their culture, being pregnant out of wedlock was a serious offense and could result in public shame and even stoning. However, one night, Joseph had a dream in which an angel appeared to him. The angel encouraged him, and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, for the child she carried was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was the Son of God (Matthew 1:20-21 NIV). Despite the potential shame and scorn they would face, Joseph obeyed the angel and took Mary as his wife, showing incredible faith and trust in Mary and in God's plan.

Mary and Joseph faced many challenges and struggles as they prepared for the arrival of Jesus. The emotional struggle they experienced in navigating the unexpected pregnancy and the judgment from society was truly heart-wrenching. They had to deal with the stigma and shame associated with Mary being pregnant before she and Joseph were married. Among their people, this would have been interpreted as a source of shame and would likely have resulted in being shunned by others.

As the time for Mary to give birth approached, they were required to travel to Bethlehem for a census. It was there, in a humble and dirty stable, that Mary and Joseph's heartbreak would turn to joy as Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus was born in a grimy feeding trough normally used to feed animals. This humble and lowly beginning for the King of Kings is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Despite the lack of a proper place for His birth, it was a true miracle that the Son of God was born into this world to bring hope, love, and salvation to all.

In a nearby field, the shepherds were watching over their flock when a host of angels appeared to them, announcing the birth of Jesus and telling them that they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. The shepherds are filled with awe and wonder at this heavenly announcement, and they decide to go and worship the newborn Savior and see for themselves. At the same time, wise men from the east, also known as the Magi, see a star in the sky that they believe signifies the birth of a great king. They travel to Jerusalem and inquire about the child, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him" (Matthew 2:2). The wise men follow the star to Bethlehem, where they find Jesus with Mary and Joseph and they fall to their knees and worship Him.

They presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each representing the royal and divine nature of Jesus. The host of angels also came to worship Jesus saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:14). This miraculous birth, celebrated by a host of angels, wise men from the east and no-name shepherds, is a testament to the boundless love and grace of God. The heartbreak of Mary and Joseph's situation was transformed into a heartwarming miracle as they witnessed the fulfillment of God's promises and the incredible love He had for them and for all of humanity. This true Christmas story of Mary and Joseph is a reminder that even in the midst of difficult and seemingly hopeless circumstances, God can bring about miracles that bring joy and hope to the world.

Sadly, this heartwarming celebration would once again turn to heartbreak. King Herod heard about the birth of a new king and perceived a threat to his reign. Consequently, he ordered the execution of all male children in Bethlehem who were two years old and under (Matthew 2:16 NIV). In order to ensure the safety of Jesus, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, directing him to take Mary and Jesus and seek refuge in Egypt until Herod had passed away. This fulfilled the prophecy spoken by the Lord through the prophet Hosea, "Out of Egypt I called my son" (Hosea 11:1). The demise of Herod was attributed to divine retribution rather than a health-related affliction. The bible describes how an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was consumed by worms and died (Acts 12:21-23 NIV). Following the death of Herod, Mary and Joseph experienced a resurgence of joy. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream again, telling him it was now safe to return to Israel. After the demise of Herod, Jesus, Joseph, and Mary returned to Nazareth. There, they raised Jesus, where He grew up and spent much of his life before embarking on His ministry.

This true story of Mary and Joseph is filled with both heartbreaking struggles and heartwarming moments. When Mary became pregnant with Jesus, she faced the judgment and disbelief of those around her, including Joseph. This was undoubtedly a difficult and heartbreaking time for both Mary and Joseph, as they had to navigate the challenges of an unexpected pregnancy and the social stigma that came with it. However, through their unwavering faith and commitment to God, they were able to experience the heartwarming moment of Jesus' birth. The arrival of Jesus brought hope, joy, and the promise of salvation to the world. This was a beautiful and miraculous event that brought immense joy to Mary and Joseph, as well as to all who believed in the coming of the Messiah.

Once Jesus was grown, He began His ministry at about the age of 30 as noted in Luke 3:23. He journeyed across the region, teaching in synagogues, sharing the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. His purpose was to affirm that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the human manifestation of God's Word. The life and ministry of Jesus brought great joy and a sense of pride to Mary and Joseph. As parents, they were overjoyed with pride to see their son grow up to be a wise and compassionate teacher, healer, and ultimately the Savior of the world. Jesus' ministry and the impact he had on people's lives undoubtedly brought them great joy as they witnessed the fulfillment of God's plan through their son.

But as you know, the story doesn't end there. Heartbreak would once again come to Mary and Joseph. The story of Jesus' death on the cross is undeniably heartbreaking. Mary, as a mother, experienced unimaginable pain and sorrow as she witnessed her son suffer and die. Joseph also experienced overwhelming grief and heartbreak during this time. It was a time of deep sorrow and confusion, as they witnessed the brutal crucifixion of their beloved Son and Savior.

But the heartwarming moment would come again with the resurrection of Jesus. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering the hope of eternal life to all who believe in him. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate display of God's power over death. It brings hope and comfort to all who believe, as it demonstrates that death is not the end. Just as Christ was raised from the dead, so too will those who believe in Him be raised to eternal life. This truth brings immense comfort in times of loss and grief, knowing that death is not the final word.

Jesus's incredible act of love and sacrifice brought about the ultimate blessing for humanity, as it provided the way for reconciliation with God and the promise of everlasting life. The story of Mary and Joseph, as well as the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, demonstrates how God can bring blessings out of even the most difficult and heartbreaking circumstances. It shows that through faith and trust in God's plan, even the most challenging situations can be transformed into moments of hope, joy, and redemption.

The story of Mary and Joseph is indeed a roller-coaster of emotions, from the initial heartbreak of an unwed pregnancy to the heartwarming birth of Jesus. Their journey was filled with ups and downs, hilltops and valleys, challenges and uncertainty, but through it all, they remained faithful to God's plan. And in the end, their unwavering faith was rewarded with the miraculous birth of Jesus, who brought hope and salvation to the world. Similarly, Jesus' death on the cross was another heartbreaking moment for Mary, Joseph and all who loved Him. The heartbreak of Jesus' death on the cross was transformed into the heartwarming miracle of his resurrection, demonstrating God's power over sin and death. The roller-coaster story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus is ultimately one of hope, redemption, and the triumph of love over despair. It serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is always at work, bringing about new life and hope. The story of Christmas, from the nativity of Jesus to his crucifixion and resurrection, is a story of hope and redemption for all who believe in him.

Noel, the angels' proclamation of good news and great joy, echoed through the humble streets of Bethlehem as Mary and Joseph welcomed the birth of Jesus in a lowly manger. (Luke 2:10).

I invite you to watch the video below and experience the miraculous birth of a Savior! See the radiant light descending from heaven on a tiny babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Watch the shepherds and the Magi come to a humble stable in Bethlehem, bowing in worship before the King of Kings. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11 KJV). A Genuine Christmas Miracle!

O' Holy Night – Sang by Josh Groban

Set to scenes from The Nativity Story... O Holy Night - by Josh Groban

O Holy Night Lyrics

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error, pining
'Til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night divine
O night, O night divine

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name

Christ is the Lord
Let ever, ever praise Thee
Noel, Noel
O night, O night divine
Noel, Noel
O night, O night divine
Noel, Noel
O night, O night divine

Special thanks to The Lumo Project and Free Bible Images for making their images available. © The Lumo Project Images used by permission. Licensed exclusively by Free Bible Images. All rights reserved.

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