The Whys Of Christmas: Why God Chose Joseph
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: Chosen for a Purpose
Devotional: Have you ever wondered why God chooses certain people for specific tasks? Joseph wasn't a priest, a king, or a scholar. He was a carpenter - a working man with calloused hands and a humble heart. Yet God handpicked him to be the earthly father of Jesus Christ. This teaches us something profound about how God operates. He doesn't always choose the most obvious candidates for His greatest works. Joseph possessed something more valuable than status or education: he was described as a 'just man' who lived righteously before God. His character, not his credentials, caught God's attention. In our world that often values titles, wealth, and recognition, it's refreshing to know that God looks at the heart. He sees potential where others see ordinary. He finds strength in humility and discovers greatness in faithfulness. Joseph's selection reminds us that God has a purpose for each of us, regardless of our background or current circumstances. You may feel like just another face in the crowd, but God sees you differently. He's looking for people who will live with integrity, show compassion, and remain faithful in the small things. These are the qualities that prepare us for the extraordinary assignments God has in store.
Bible Verse: '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 publick example, was minded to put her away privily.' - Matthew 1:18-19
Reflection Question: What qualities in your character might God be developing to prepare you for His unique purpose in your life?
Quote: God uses the simple things to confound the wise? God uses the little things and the little places and the little people to be able to fulfill great promises.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live with integrity and faithfulness in the ordinary moments, knowing that You are preparing me for extraordinary purposes. Develop in me the character that pleases You, regardless of how others may see me. Amen.
Devotional: Have you ever wondered why God chooses certain people for specific tasks? Joseph wasn't a priest, a king, or a scholar. He was a carpenter - a working man with calloused hands and a humble heart. Yet God handpicked him to be the earthly father of Jesus Christ. This teaches us something profound about how God operates. He doesn't always choose the most obvious candidates for His greatest works. Joseph possessed something more valuable than status or education: he was described as a 'just man' who lived righteously before God. His character, not his credentials, caught God's attention. In our world that often values titles, wealth, and recognition, it's refreshing to know that God looks at the heart. He sees potential where others see ordinary. He finds strength in humility and discovers greatness in faithfulness. Joseph's selection reminds us that God has a purpose for each of us, regardless of our background or current circumstances. You may feel like just another face in the crowd, but God sees you differently. He's looking for people who will live with integrity, show compassion, and remain faithful in the small things. These are the qualities that prepare us for the extraordinary assignments God has in store.
Bible Verse: '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 publick example, was minded to put her away privily.' - Matthew 1:18-19
Reflection Question: What qualities in your character might God be developing to prepare you for His unique purpose in your life?
Quote: God uses the simple things to confound the wise? God uses the little things and the little places and the little people to be able to fulfill great promises.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live with integrity and faithfulness in the ordinary moments, knowing that You are preparing me for extraordinary purposes. Develop in me the character that pleases You, regardless of how others may see me. Amen.
Day 2: When Life Doesn't Make Sense
Devotional: Imagine discovering that your fiancée is pregnant, and you know the child isn't yours. This was Joseph's reality - a situation that could have destroyed everything he held dear. Under Jewish law, Mary could have faced death by stoning. Joseph's reputation would be ruined, and his future seemed shattered. Yet in this impossible moment, Joseph's true character emerged. Instead of seeking revenge or public vindication, he chose compassion. He decided to divorce Mary quietly, protecting her from public shame even though he believed she had betrayed him. This reveals something beautiful about Joseph's heart - even in his pain, he chose love over anger, protection over punishment. Life often presents us with situations that don't make sense, circumstances that seem to derail our plans and dreams. In these moments, we have a choice: we can respond with bitterness and seek to hurt those we believe have wronged us, or we can choose the path of grace. Joseph's response shows us that our character is most clearly revealed not when life is easy, but when it's impossibly difficult. His willingness to protect Mary, even when he didn't understand what was happening, demonstrates the kind of love that reflects God's heart.
Bible Verse: 'Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.' - Matthew 1:19
Reflection Question: How do you typically respond when life presents you with confusing or painful circumstances that seem to threaten your plans?
Quote: I know this is a good woman, but I'm going to divorce her. But I'm not going to put her to an open shame. But I'm going to privately do this because I don't want no more shame to come upon her and what she's already going to experience. Hey, I don't know about you, but that is a good man.
Prayer: Father, when I face situations I don't understand, help me to respond with grace and compassion rather than anger or revenge. Give me the strength to choose love even when I'm hurting. Amen.
Devotional: Imagine discovering that your fiancée is pregnant, and you know the child isn't yours. This was Joseph's reality - a situation that could have destroyed everything he held dear. Under Jewish law, Mary could have faced death by stoning. Joseph's reputation would be ruined, and his future seemed shattered. Yet in this impossible moment, Joseph's true character emerged. Instead of seeking revenge or public vindication, he chose compassion. He decided to divorce Mary quietly, protecting her from public shame even though he believed she had betrayed him. This reveals something beautiful about Joseph's heart - even in his pain, he chose love over anger, protection over punishment. Life often presents us with situations that don't make sense, circumstances that seem to derail our plans and dreams. In these moments, we have a choice: we can respond with bitterness and seek to hurt those we believe have wronged us, or we can choose the path of grace. Joseph's response shows us that our character is most clearly revealed not when life is easy, but when it's impossibly difficult. His willingness to protect Mary, even when he didn't understand what was happening, demonstrates the kind of love that reflects God's heart.
Bible Verse: 'Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.' - Matthew 1:19
Reflection Question: How do you typically respond when life presents you with confusing or painful circumstances that seem to threaten your plans?
Quote: I know this is a good woman, but I'm going to divorce her. But I'm not going to put her to an open shame. But I'm going to privately do this because I don't want no more shame to come upon her and what she's already going to experience. Hey, I don't know about you, but that is a good man.
Prayer: Father, when I face situations I don't understand, help me to respond with grace and compassion rather than anger or revenge. Give me the strength to choose love even when I'm hurting. Amen.
Day 3: Divine Interruption
Devotional: Just when Joseph had made his painful decision to quietly divorce Mary, God intervened. Through a dream, an angel revealed the miraculous truth about Mary's pregnancy and gave Joseph specific instructions about the child's name and purpose. This divine interruption changed everything. What seemed like betrayal was actually God's greatest miracle unfolding. How often do we make decisions based on incomplete information? We see only part of the picture and draw conclusions that may be entirely wrong. Joseph's experience teaches us the importance of waiting for God's perspective before making final judgments. God's timing is perfect, even when it feels like He's cutting it close. Joseph was ready to act on his plan, but God stepped in at just the right moment with the truth that would change everything. This reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes, even when we can't see or understand what He's doing. Sometimes what looks like a crisis is actually God setting up a miracle. The key is remaining open to His voice and willing to adjust our plans when He reveals His greater purpose. Joseph's willingness to listen to God's message and trust His plan, even when it seemed impossible, positioned him to be part of the greatest story ever told.
Bible Verse: '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.' - Matthew 1:20
Reflection Question: Can you think of a time when God's perspective completely changed your understanding of a difficult situation?
Quote: When you trust and obey God, he mysteriously unfolds his plan and his purpose and his promises.
Prayer: Lord, help me to wait for Your perspective before making important decisions. Open my heart to hear Your voice, especially when Your plans seem different from my own understanding. Amen.
Devotional: Just when Joseph had made his painful decision to quietly divorce Mary, God intervened. Through a dream, an angel revealed the miraculous truth about Mary's pregnancy and gave Joseph specific instructions about the child's name and purpose. This divine interruption changed everything. What seemed like betrayal was actually God's greatest miracle unfolding. How often do we make decisions based on incomplete information? We see only part of the picture and draw conclusions that may be entirely wrong. Joseph's experience teaches us the importance of waiting for God's perspective before making final judgments. God's timing is perfect, even when it feels like He's cutting it close. Joseph was ready to act on his plan, but God stepped in at just the right moment with the truth that would change everything. This reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes, even when we can't see or understand what He's doing. Sometimes what looks like a crisis is actually God setting up a miracle. The key is remaining open to His voice and willing to adjust our plans when He reveals His greater purpose. Joseph's willingness to listen to God's message and trust His plan, even when it seemed impossible, positioned him to be part of the greatest story ever told.
Bible Verse: '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.' - Matthew 1:20
Reflection Question: Can you think of a time when God's perspective completely changed your understanding of a difficult situation?
Quote: When you trust and obey God, he mysteriously unfolds his plan and his purpose and his promises.
Prayer: Lord, help me to wait for Your perspective before making important decisions. Open my heart to hear Your voice, especially when Your plans seem different from my own understanding. Amen.
Day 4: Costly Obedience
Devotional: When God revealed His plan to Joseph, the carpenter faced a choice that would cost him everything he valued. Taking Mary as his wife meant sacrificing his reputation, his honor, and his pride. People would whisper and assume the worst. His standing in the community would suffer. Yet Joseph's response was immediate and complete obedience. He didn't negotiate with God or ask for a different assignment. He simply said yes. True obedience to God often comes with a price tag. Following His will may require us to give up things we hold dear - our comfort, our plans, our reputation, or our security. Joseph understood that loving God sometimes means making sacrifices that others won't understand. His willingness to embrace humility and endure whatever consequences came with God's plan demonstrates the depth of his faith. Joseph's obedience wasn't just about following rules; it was about trusting that God's purposes are always worth the cost. He believed that whatever he had to give up would be nothing compared to what God would accomplish through his willingness to say yes. This kind of faith doesn't come easily, but it's exactly what God is looking for in His servants - people who will trust Him completely, even when the path forward seems costly or unclear.
Bible Verse: 'Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife' - Matthew 1:24
Reflection Question: What might God be asking you to sacrifice or surrender in order to fully embrace His plan for your life?
Quote: Joseph was willing to give up everything, Everything. And marry this woman. Everything. He had to give up his pride. He had to give up. He had to give up his honor. And he had to embrace humility to the point that he was willing that whatever it's going to cost me. I'm just willing to endure it because I love this woman.
Prayer: God, give me the courage to obey You completely, even when it costs me something I value. Help me to trust that Your plans are always worth whatever sacrifice You ask of me. Amen.
Devotional: When God revealed His plan to Joseph, the carpenter faced a choice that would cost him everything he valued. Taking Mary as his wife meant sacrificing his reputation, his honor, and his pride. People would whisper and assume the worst. His standing in the community would suffer. Yet Joseph's response was immediate and complete obedience. He didn't negotiate with God or ask for a different assignment. He simply said yes. True obedience to God often comes with a price tag. Following His will may require us to give up things we hold dear - our comfort, our plans, our reputation, or our security. Joseph understood that loving God sometimes means making sacrifices that others won't understand. His willingness to embrace humility and endure whatever consequences came with God's plan demonstrates the depth of his faith. Joseph's obedience wasn't just about following rules; it was about trusting that God's purposes are always worth the cost. He believed that whatever he had to give up would be nothing compared to what God would accomplish through his willingness to say yes. This kind of faith doesn't come easily, but it's exactly what God is looking for in His servants - people who will trust Him completely, even when the path forward seems costly or unclear.
Bible Verse: 'Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife' - Matthew 1:24
Reflection Question: What might God be asking you to sacrifice or surrender in order to fully embrace His plan for your life?
Quote: Joseph was willing to give up everything, Everything. And marry this woman. Everything. He had to give up his pride. He had to give up. He had to give up his honor. And he had to embrace humility to the point that he was willing that whatever it's going to cost me. I'm just willing to endure it because I love this woman.
Prayer: God, give me the courage to obey You completely, even when it costs me something I value. Help me to trust that Your plans are always worth whatever sacrifice You ask of me. Amen.
Day 5: Available and Willing
Devotional: Joseph's greatest qualification wasn't his carpentry skills or his royal lineage - it was his availability. When God needed someone to protect and provide for His Son, He chose a man who was simply willing to be used. Joseph didn't have a theology degree or special training for raising the Messiah. He was just a faithful man who said yes when God called. This is one of the most encouraging truths about how God works. He doesn't need us to be perfect or fully prepared before He can use us. He needs us to be willing. Joseph's story reminds us that the most important thing in the whole world can happen through the most ordinary people - we just have to be available. Maybe you feel unqualified for what God is asking of you. Maybe you think you don't have enough education, experience, or resources. Joseph felt the same way, yet God used him in the most significant way possible. The key is not our ability but our availability. When we make ourselves available to God with an attitude of 'anytime, any place, anywhere, anything,' He can do extraordinary things through ordinary people. God is still looking for people like Joseph - those who will trust Him, obey Him, and remain faithful regardless of the circumstances. The question isn't whether you're qualified; it's whether you're willing.
Bible Verse: 'And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.' - Matthew 1:21
Reflection Question:In what areas of your life do you need to move from feeling unqualified to simply being available for God's use?
Quote: One of the lessons that comes from the life of Joses is that the most important thing and the whole world can happen to the smallest insignificant of people. You just got to be willing. You just got to be willing to be used by God.
Prayer: Lord, I make myself available to You today. Use me however You see fit, knowing that You don't need my perfection - just my willingness. Help me to trust that You will equip me for whatever You call me to do. Amen.
Devotional: Joseph's greatest qualification wasn't his carpentry skills or his royal lineage - it was his availability. When God needed someone to protect and provide for His Son, He chose a man who was simply willing to be used. Joseph didn't have a theology degree or special training for raising the Messiah. He was just a faithful man who said yes when God called. This is one of the most encouraging truths about how God works. He doesn't need us to be perfect or fully prepared before He can use us. He needs us to be willing. Joseph's story reminds us that the most important thing in the whole world can happen through the most ordinary people - we just have to be available. Maybe you feel unqualified for what God is asking of you. Maybe you think you don't have enough education, experience, or resources. Joseph felt the same way, yet God used him in the most significant way possible. The key is not our ability but our availability. When we make ourselves available to God with an attitude of 'anytime, any place, anywhere, anything,' He can do extraordinary things through ordinary people. God is still looking for people like Joseph - those who will trust Him, obey Him, and remain faithful regardless of the circumstances. The question isn't whether you're qualified; it's whether you're willing.
Bible Verse: 'And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.' - Matthew 1:21
Reflection Question:In what areas of your life do you need to move from feeling unqualified to simply being available for God's use?
Quote: One of the lessons that comes from the life of Joses is that the most important thing and the whole world can happen to the smallest insignificant of people. You just got to be willing. You just got to be willing to be used by God.
Prayer: Lord, I make myself available to You today. Use me however You see fit, knowing that You don't need my perfection - just my willingness. Help me to trust that You will equip me for whatever You call me to do. Amen.
