1 00:00:00,520 --> 00:00:03,680 Speaker 1: For judgment is without mercy. To the one who has 2 00:00:03,720 --> 00:00:10,000 Speaker 1: shown no mercy, mercy triumphs over judgment. James two thirteen. 3 00:00:11,880 --> 00:00:15,840 Speaker 1: Dear Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of the mercy 4 00:00:15,960 --> 00:00:18,800 Speaker 1: you demonstrated when you sent your son to be born 5 00:00:18,880 --> 00:00:23,959 Speaker 1: in a manger, to live among us, and ultimately to 6 00:00:24,000 --> 00:00:28,440 Speaker 1: give his life for a redemption. We are forever grateful 7 00:00:28,600 --> 00:00:33,440 Speaker 1: for this unparalleled act of mercy, a divine gift that 8 00:00:33,560 --> 00:00:39,199 Speaker 1: forever change the course of humanity. Father, Let the spirit 9 00:00:39,280 --> 00:00:43,480 Speaker 1: of Christmas remind us to extend mercy as freely as 10 00:00:43,479 --> 00:00:47,640 Speaker 1: we have received it from you. As we give gifts 11 00:00:47,680 --> 00:00:51,400 Speaker 1: to our loved ones, let us also give forgiveness to 12 00:00:51,479 --> 00:00:55,200 Speaker 1: those who have wronged us, understanding to those who have 13 00:00:55,280 --> 00:00:59,720 Speaker 1: misunderstood us, and kindness to those who may be in need. 14 00:01:01,840 --> 00:01:05,280 Speaker 1: Teach us to celebrate Christmas not just with festive cheer, 15 00:01:05,480 --> 00:01:10,280 Speaker 1: but with genuine love and mercy that mirrors your heart. 16 00:01:12,120 --> 00:01:16,759 Speaker 1: Let mercy triumph over judgment in our lives, transforming our 17 00:01:16,880 --> 00:01:20,560 Speaker 1: hearts and the hearts of those around us. In the 18 00:01:20,680 --> 00:01:25,200 Speaker 1: name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King, we pray Amen. 19 00:01:34,440 --> 00:01:37,920 Speaker 2: The midday sun hung heavy in the sky, its scorching 20 00:01:38,040 --> 00:01:41,000 Speaker 2: rays beat down on Joseph's back. He worked to the 21 00:01:41,040 --> 00:01:44,279 Speaker 2: sound of rhythmic chiseling against the stone, scraping of wood. 22 00:01:45,640 --> 00:01:48,160 Speaker 2: It was a symphony of his dedication to his craft 23 00:01:48,480 --> 00:01:51,640 Speaker 2: and devotion to his family. The life of a craftsman 24 00:01:51,720 --> 00:01:55,200 Speaker 2: wasn't glamorous work, but he found joy in it. He 25 00:01:55,280 --> 00:01:59,200 Speaker 2: cherished his trade. He enjoyed molding something useful and beautiful 26 00:01:59,200 --> 00:02:02,279 Speaker 2: that would bless others to day. He swung his hammer 27 00:02:02,360 --> 00:02:05,520 Speaker 2: with even more joy than usual. He ground the bricks 28 00:02:05,520 --> 00:02:09,799 Speaker 2: with more for nest than usual, and precisely sanded every beam. 29 00:02:10,080 --> 00:02:13,240 Speaker 2: He wasn't shaping just another project. He was making the 30 00:02:13,280 --> 00:02:17,080 Speaker 2: foundation of his and Mary's future home. While Mary aided 31 00:02:17,120 --> 00:02:20,600 Speaker 2: her cousin Elizabeth with her pregnancy and birth, Joseph toiled 32 00:02:20,639 --> 00:02:24,000 Speaker 2: under the sun, shaping their future. Each sound of his 33 00:02:24,080 --> 00:02:26,680 Speaker 2: hammer falling on to the chisel was a note in 34 00:02:26,760 --> 00:02:30,520 Speaker 2: the symphony of their shared dreams. In his mind's eye, 35 00:02:30,639 --> 00:02:33,640 Speaker 2: he saw tiny feet scampering across the stone floor and 36 00:02:33,720 --> 00:02:36,880 Speaker 2: heard the echo of laughter ringing through the rooms. He 37 00:02:37,040 --> 00:02:40,560 Speaker 2: envisioned holding Mary close, their eyes resting fondly on their 38 00:02:40,639 --> 00:02:44,880 Speaker 2: children at play. Joyful anxiety gnawed at his heart. He 39 00:02:45,000 --> 00:02:48,239 Speaker 2: longed for Mary's return. His gaze wandered to the winding 40 00:02:48,320 --> 00:02:52,520 Speaker 2: roads above. His eyes saw a lone carriage approaching. Shading 41 00:02:52,520 --> 00:02:55,919 Speaker 2: his eyes against the blazing sun, he discerned the figure 42 00:02:55,960 --> 00:02:59,239 Speaker 2: of Mary. His heart surged with joy, and he dropped 43 00:02:59,240 --> 00:03:02,480 Speaker 2: his hammer, ring towards her. I can't wait for her 44 00:03:02,520 --> 00:03:05,560 Speaker 2: to see the progress I've made on our own, he thought, 45 00:03:05,840 --> 00:03:07,919 Speaker 2: a smile playing at the corners of his mouth as 46 00:03:07,919 --> 00:03:10,519 Speaker 2: he dashed towards her. She was a long way away. 47 00:03:11,000 --> 00:03:12,960 Speaker 2: He watched her, from a distance get off the carriage 48 00:03:12,960 --> 00:03:15,919 Speaker 2: and briskly walk home with her parents. Their heads were 49 00:03:15,960 --> 00:03:19,880 Speaker 2: down and shoulders hunched forward. Yet Joseph was too excited 50 00:03:19,919 --> 00:03:22,320 Speaker 2: to notice such things. His heart was a flutter with 51 00:03:22,360 --> 00:03:26,480 Speaker 2: anticipation to see her eyes widen in surprise, to hear 52 00:03:26,520 --> 00:03:29,040 Speaker 2: her laugh, to fill the air, to wash her lips 53 00:03:29,080 --> 00:03:31,640 Speaker 2: curve into a grin at the sight of the burgeoning home. 54 00:03:32,240 --> 00:03:35,040 Speaker 2: These were the moments he yearned for. He stopped at 55 00:03:35,080 --> 00:03:38,080 Speaker 2: the whale to clean himself. After steadying his hands and breath, 56 00:03:38,320 --> 00:03:41,000 Speaker 2: he approached her father's house and knocked at the door. 57 00:03:42,440 --> 00:03:44,600 Speaker 3: I'm so glad you've joined us on the Bible. In 58 00:03:44,640 --> 00:03:49,000 Speaker 3: a year podcast today. But before we get to today's episode, 59 00:03:49,120 --> 00:03:51,600 Speaker 3: I want you to know that I would absolutely love 60 00:03:51,680 --> 00:03:54,840 Speaker 3: to send you my daily devotional that will give you 61 00:03:54,960 --> 00:03:59,640 Speaker 3: fresh encouragement every single morning and day from the moment 62 00:03:59,640 --> 00:04:02,840 Speaker 3: we wagh to the moment our head finally hits the pillow. 63 00:04:03,160 --> 00:04:07,640 Speaker 3: There are thousands of things demanding our attention. But it's 64 00:04:07,680 --> 00:04:10,080 Speaker 3: in the midst of all this crush and hustle and 65 00:04:10,120 --> 00:04:12,960 Speaker 3: bustle that you and I need peace and truth in 66 00:04:13,040 --> 00:04:15,840 Speaker 3: God's Word. That's why I want to help you spend 67 00:04:15,840 --> 00:04:20,360 Speaker 3: time each day growing in God's life giving, life changing 68 00:04:20,440 --> 00:04:25,920 Speaker 3: Word by sending you my free daily email devotional, PowerPoint Today. 69 00:04:26,800 --> 00:04:29,440 Speaker 3: So visit Jagraham dot org to sign up for your 70 00:04:29,480 --> 00:04:36,520 Speaker 3: PowerPoint Today devotional. That's Jagraham dot org. Jack Graham dot org. 71 00:04:37,560 --> 00:04:41,359 Speaker 3: Today's story is inspired by Matthew Chapter one, verse nineteen, 72 00:04:41,800 --> 00:04:46,200 Speaker 3: when Joseph discovers that Mary is pregnant. Joseph is a 73 00:04:46,240 --> 00:04:50,039 Speaker 3: central figure in the Christmas story and is often overshadowed 74 00:04:50,040 --> 00:04:54,160 Speaker 3: by the more prominent characters. Yep, I believe Joseph is 75 00:04:54,200 --> 00:04:59,320 Speaker 3: an unheralded hero of great character. In this story, we 76 00:04:59,400 --> 00:05:03,799 Speaker 3: find Joseph if at a poignant crossroads grappling with feelings 77 00:05:03,800 --> 00:05:07,160 Speaker 3: of betrayal while standing on the precipice of a divine 78 00:05:07,240 --> 00:05:11,000 Speaker 3: intervention who would change the course of the world. The 79 00:05:11,040 --> 00:05:14,839 Speaker 3: Birth of Jesus was filled with key moments when everything 80 00:05:14,880 --> 00:05:18,480 Speaker 3: could have been thwarted. One of those moments will happen 81 00:05:18,520 --> 00:05:21,520 Speaker 3: in this story when Joseph has the right to stone 82 00:05:21,560 --> 00:05:27,120 Speaker 3: Mary for adultery. Joseph will find himself in a position 83 00:05:27,240 --> 00:05:31,080 Speaker 3: that many of us find ourselves in. We all have 84 00:05:31,200 --> 00:05:34,400 Speaker 3: moments where we can lash out in anger and show judgment, 85 00:05:35,040 --> 00:05:39,039 Speaker 3: or choose the path of mercy. Often, the way of 86 00:05:39,080 --> 00:05:43,159 Speaker 3: compassion is the more challenging trail to tread. Joseph could 87 00:05:43,279 --> 00:05:46,920 Speaker 3: end all his hurt and problems by showing Mary judgment, 88 00:05:47,520 --> 00:05:50,560 Speaker 3: But the measure of a man's character is often revealed 89 00:05:50,600 --> 00:05:53,560 Speaker 3: not in how he uses his power, but in how 90 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:57,520 Speaker 3: he retrains it. Jesus said, blessed are the meek, for 91 00:05:57,600 --> 00:06:01,960 Speaker 3: they shall inherit the earth. Weakness does not mean weakness, 92 00:06:02,360 --> 00:06:07,080 Speaker 3: It means power under control. Will Joseph lash out and 93 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:10,839 Speaker 3: uses authority to end Mary, or will he show meekness 94 00:06:11,080 --> 00:06:16,360 Speaker 3: and mercy ushering in the greatest story ever told? Let's 95 00:06:16,400 --> 00:06:20,159 Speaker 3: find out now. In this cinematic retelling of Matthew Chapter one, 96 00:06:20,520 --> 00:06:25,560 Speaker 3: verse nineteen. Afterwards, we'll unpack the deep and hidden things. 97 00:06:28,360 --> 00:06:30,919 Speaker 2: The journey home from her cousin's home seemed to drag 98 00:06:30,960 --> 00:06:35,600 Speaker 2: on forever. Mary was reeling with anxiety, counting her every heartbeat. 99 00:06:35,680 --> 00:06:38,560 Speaker 2: On the way back to Nazareth, a storm of emotions 100 00:06:38,600 --> 00:06:41,240 Speaker 2: welled within her, but she had no choice but to 101 00:06:41,279 --> 00:06:44,919 Speaker 2: go home. Sure, she thought of running or remaining with Elizabeth, 102 00:06:45,160 --> 00:06:47,440 Speaker 2: but that was not the path God had chosen for her. 103 00:06:48,040 --> 00:06:49,919 Speaker 2: The cart dropped Mary off at the corner of the 104 00:06:49,920 --> 00:06:52,920 Speaker 2: city gates. She was back in Nazareth. Her feet were 105 00:06:52,920 --> 00:06:55,960 Speaker 2: heavy with the burden of the secret she bore, yet 106 00:06:56,279 --> 00:07:00,000 Speaker 2: she held her chinhai, her spirit, bolstered by the divine promise, 107 00:07:00,160 --> 00:07:02,920 Speaker 2: nestled within her. Her siblings were the first to see 108 00:07:02,960 --> 00:07:05,560 Speaker 2: her arrive. They ran to her, jumping in the air 109 00:07:05,600 --> 00:07:08,800 Speaker 2: and squealing. She managed a brief smile before locking eyes 110 00:07:08,839 --> 00:07:12,240 Speaker 2: with her parents. Her mother covered her mouth and her 111 00:07:12,240 --> 00:07:16,200 Speaker 2: father tightened his fist. They could see what the children couldn't. 112 00:07:16,680 --> 00:07:20,240 Speaker 2: Mary was with child. Mary followed her parents silently to 113 00:07:20,280 --> 00:07:23,960 Speaker 2: their house. Her father shut the door. Mary breathed in 114 00:07:24,080 --> 00:07:27,160 Speaker 2: and whispered a silent prayer. She prayed the Lord would 115 00:07:27,160 --> 00:07:30,440 Speaker 2: soften their hearts. She hoped God had somehow spoken to 116 00:07:30,480 --> 00:07:33,080 Speaker 2: them too. The warmth in her home was replaced by 117 00:07:33,080 --> 00:07:36,240 Speaker 2: the chill of her parent's gaze. With a trembling voice 118 00:07:36,520 --> 00:07:39,920 Speaker 2: holding back rage. Her father spoke softly, saying. 119 00:07:40,240 --> 00:07:42,400 Speaker 1: Mary, what have you done? 120 00:07:42,840 --> 00:07:45,240 Speaker 2: Before Mary could answer, her mother grabbed her by the 121 00:07:45,280 --> 00:07:46,800 Speaker 2: shoulders with tears in her eyes. 122 00:07:47,280 --> 00:07:51,720 Speaker 4: Your virtue, Mary, why have you done this? What happened? 123 00:07:52,040 --> 00:07:54,720 Speaker 2: Mary's lower lip began to quiver, but she knew she 124 00:07:54,800 --> 00:07:57,640 Speaker 2: had to remain strong, or else they might portray guilt. 125 00:07:58,120 --> 00:08:01,240 Speaker 2: She wasn't guilty. She was the opper of guilty. She 126 00:08:01,360 --> 00:08:04,760 Speaker 2: was chosen above all others. She cleared her throat and 127 00:08:04,840 --> 00:08:06,240 Speaker 2: looked her parents in the eyes. 128 00:08:06,760 --> 00:08:10,920 Speaker 4: Before I left for Elizabeths, I was visited by an angel. 129 00:08:11,480 --> 00:08:14,240 Speaker 4: He told me God had chosen me to bear a 130 00:08:14,360 --> 00:08:19,360 Speaker 4: child of promise. I did not disgrace you, Joseph or myself. 131 00:08:20,160 --> 00:08:23,280 Speaker 4: I have been called by God to raise the Son 132 00:08:23,440 --> 00:08:24,040 Speaker 4: of God. 133 00:08:24,960 --> 00:08:29,160 Speaker 2: Disbelief and anger came upon them. You've blood shame to 134 00:08:29,320 --> 00:08:32,600 Speaker 2: us and to Joseph, and your shame God even more 135 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:36,680 Speaker 2: with your story, her father yelled. His voice was cracking 136 00:08:36,679 --> 00:08:40,080 Speaker 2: from a mixture of anger and betrayal. The sharp sting 137 00:08:40,120 --> 00:08:43,040 Speaker 2: of their accusations left a bitter taste in Mary's mouth. 138 00:08:43,600 --> 00:08:46,320 Speaker 2: She tried to explain, her voice filled with the desperate 139 00:08:46,360 --> 00:08:49,160 Speaker 2: hope that they would understand, but the storm of their 140 00:08:49,200 --> 00:08:51,840 Speaker 2: wrath drowned her out. Just then, there was a knock 141 00:08:51,880 --> 00:08:54,920 Speaker 2: at the door. Mary knew that knock, the same knock 142 00:08:54,960 --> 00:08:57,160 Speaker 2: would greet her every day at dusk for a stroll 143 00:08:57,200 --> 00:09:00,640 Speaker 2: through the garden. Mary's father opened the door. Behind it 144 00:09:00,760 --> 00:09:04,200 Speaker 2: was Joseph, beaming with anticipation to see his bride to be. 145 00:09:04,640 --> 00:09:07,679 Speaker 2: His smile was quickly interrupted when he saw Mary's hand 146 00:09:07,960 --> 00:09:12,240 Speaker 2: on her midsection. Confusion etched lines on his forehead, and 147 00:09:12,320 --> 00:09:16,600 Speaker 2: bitter betrayal painted his gaze. His world, like hers, immediately 148 00:09:16,640 --> 00:09:21,480 Speaker 2: spun off its axis. Mary's father leaned into Joseph and whispered, Joseph, 149 00:09:21,520 --> 00:09:24,320 Speaker 2: we've just found out ourselves. We didn't know, we swear. 150 00:09:24,600 --> 00:09:28,080 Speaker 2: Joseph's eyes were fogging with restrained tears. He looked as 151 00:09:28,120 --> 00:09:31,360 Speaker 2: if he was going to break, but he didn't. Mary. 152 00:09:32,120 --> 00:09:33,920 Speaker 1: He whispered why. 153 00:09:34,679 --> 00:09:37,800 Speaker 2: Mary could barely stand the look of betrayal on his face. 154 00:09:38,200 --> 00:09:41,120 Speaker 2: She tried explaining everything to him, but the story seemed 155 00:09:41,120 --> 00:09:45,160 Speaker 2: too outlandish. Mary's father, a stern and righteous man, made 156 00:09:45,200 --> 00:09:48,839 Speaker 2: his judgment. Joseph, she has wronged you. You have the 157 00:09:48,920 --> 00:09:52,480 Speaker 2: right to punish her, even to stonnor if you wish. 158 00:09:52,840 --> 00:09:56,079 Speaker 2: Her words were cutting to Mary's soul. Her own father 159 00:09:56,280 --> 00:09:59,760 Speaker 2: had just permitted Joseph to execute her. Her fate was 160 00:09:59,800 --> 00:10:01,679 Speaker 2: now so in the hands of a man whose face 161 00:10:01,760 --> 00:10:04,880 Speaker 2: was about to burst with grief. Joseph's gaze moved from 162 00:10:04,880 --> 00:10:09,240 Speaker 2: her father to Mary, the silent question lingering in his eyes. Then, 163 00:10:09,480 --> 00:10:12,280 Speaker 2: with a wave of anger and despair, he turned and 164 00:10:12,320 --> 00:10:15,480 Speaker 2: walked away. His departure left a chilling silence that hung 165 00:10:15,559 --> 00:10:18,600 Speaker 2: heavily in the room. Mary and her parents were left 166 00:10:18,640 --> 00:10:21,679 Speaker 2: wondering what he would choose. Joseph went to be alone. 167 00:10:22,080 --> 00:10:24,120 Speaker 2: He stormed past the site where he had built the 168 00:10:24,120 --> 00:10:27,560 Speaker 2: foundation for their new home. With sadness weighing heavy on 169 00:10:27,640 --> 00:10:30,080 Speaker 2: his shoulders, he hiked into the hills and watched the 170 00:10:30,120 --> 00:10:34,120 Speaker 2: sun descend over the plains outside Nazareth. Betrayal gnawed at 171 00:10:34,200 --> 00:10:37,560 Speaker 2: Joseph's heart. He stood on the grass inside, watching the 172 00:10:37,600 --> 00:10:41,079 Speaker 2: final rays of light recede from view. The sun's final 173 00:10:41,200 --> 00:10:44,000 Speaker 2: rays painted the sky above a lush and vibrant pink. 174 00:10:44,360 --> 00:10:47,719 Speaker 2: Beneath the torrent of Joseph's emotions, there was an undercurrent 175 00:10:47,760 --> 00:10:51,840 Speaker 2: of anger towards God. Have I not been loyal? He whispered, 176 00:10:52,240 --> 00:10:55,800 Speaker 2: I have toiled to build our home. I have shone 177 00:10:55,880 --> 00:11:00,400 Speaker 2: restraint and kindness. Pain shot up Joseph's heart in lingered 178 00:11:00,440 --> 00:11:03,160 Speaker 2: in his throat as he spoke. He stood and yelled 179 00:11:03,200 --> 00:11:06,120 Speaker 2: at the wind. How did everything I was supposed to 180 00:11:06,200 --> 00:11:11,160 Speaker 2: do had remained faithful? How you paid your commands? What 181 00:11:11,200 --> 00:11:14,840 Speaker 2: have I done? To the surface, his voice cracked, and 182 00:11:14,920 --> 00:11:18,440 Speaker 2: then he crumbled to the ground and wept. A thousand 183 00:11:18,480 --> 00:11:21,360 Speaker 2: thoughts whirled around in his mind as he grappled with 184 00:11:21,400 --> 00:11:24,720 Speaker 2: the reality before him. He was torn between the laws 185 00:11:24,760 --> 00:11:28,240 Speaker 2: of the land and his affection for Mary. His honor 186 00:11:28,280 --> 00:11:32,320 Speaker 2: demanded he react. It is kindness, whispered another path. He 187 00:11:32,400 --> 00:11:35,839 Speaker 2: was at the crossroads of judgment and mercy. Which path 188 00:11:35,960 --> 00:11:39,000 Speaker 2: would he choose? Why should I show mercy? He thought? 189 00:11:39,400 --> 00:11:42,320 Speaker 2: What good has been good done? In the depths of 190 00:11:42,360 --> 00:11:46,360 Speaker 2: his turmoil. Joseph was a just and righteous man. Thousands 191 00:11:46,400 --> 00:11:48,840 Speaker 2: of small decisions to do the right thing every day 192 00:11:48,840 --> 00:11:52,000 Speaker 2: had already forged a character within him. He sighed, and 193 00:11:52,040 --> 00:11:55,680 Speaker 2: watched the colorful horizon give way to the darkness. The 194 00:11:55,760 --> 00:11:58,200 Speaker 2: coolness of the evening began to settle over the grassy 195 00:11:58,280 --> 00:12:02,040 Speaker 2: valley below. Joseph closed eyes and whispered, I have made 196 00:12:02,240 --> 00:12:05,440 Speaker 2: my choice. He would not subject Mary to public shame, 197 00:12:05,679 --> 00:12:10,280 Speaker 2: nor stoke the fires of scandal. He would divorce her quietly, mercifully, 198 00:12:10,600 --> 00:12:13,520 Speaker 2: even as he grappled with the shards of his shattered dreams. 199 00:12:13,800 --> 00:12:18,120 Speaker 2: He chose kindness over revenge, mercy over judgment. It was 200 00:12:18,120 --> 00:12:20,800 Speaker 2: a decision that echoed the depths of his character and 201 00:12:20,840 --> 00:12:24,320 Speaker 2: the unwavering strength of his heart. The knight was filled 202 00:12:24,320 --> 00:12:28,400 Speaker 2: with his silent and somber resolution. Under the exposed stars, 203 00:12:28,840 --> 00:12:32,160 Speaker 2: Joseph laid back on the grassy slope and drifted off 204 00:12:32,160 --> 00:12:32,680 Speaker 2: to sleep. 205 00:12:39,840 --> 00:12:43,400 Speaker 3: According to the Jewish tradition of the time, betrothal was 206 00:12:43,440 --> 00:12:46,760 Speaker 3: as binding as marriage. It must have felt like a 207 00:12:46,840 --> 00:12:52,040 Speaker 3: painful betrayal when Mary revealed that she was pregnant. Mary, however, 208 00:12:52,360 --> 00:12:55,680 Speaker 3: stirred firm in her truth, telling the divine message she 209 00:12:55,720 --> 00:13:00,559 Speaker 3: had received. Her resolve in this challenging situation is admirable, 210 00:13:00,679 --> 00:13:04,080 Speaker 3: but it also sets the stage for Joseph's crucial decision. 211 00:13:05,400 --> 00:13:09,960 Speaker 3: Despite his initial feelings of betrayal. Joseph's actions reveal his 212 00:13:10,120 --> 00:13:14,360 Speaker 3: remarkable character. The scripture describes him as a just man, 213 00:13:14,760 --> 00:13:19,320 Speaker 3: implying his righteousness and adherence to the law. However, he 214 00:13:19,440 --> 00:13:24,360 Speaker 3: was also unwilling to disgrace Mary publicly, indicating his compassion 215 00:13:24,600 --> 00:13:29,440 Speaker 3: and mercy. At the time, according to the Mosaic law, 216 00:13:29,720 --> 00:13:33,280 Speaker 3: he could have had Mary stone for adultery. Instead, he 217 00:13:33,360 --> 00:13:38,760 Speaker 3: decided to divorce her quietly, choosing mercy over judgment. This 218 00:13:38,920 --> 00:13:42,400 Speaker 3: decision was monumental in his personal life and in the 219 00:13:42,440 --> 00:13:48,679 Speaker 3: broader scope of God's salvation plan. Joseph's mercy mirrors God's 220 00:13:48,720 --> 00:13:53,520 Speaker 3: mercy towards us, a core theme of the Christmas story. 221 00:13:54,400 --> 00:13:58,720 Speaker 3: But God, through an angelic dream, would soon intervene, ensuring 222 00:13:58,880 --> 00:14:05,200 Speaker 3: Joseph's understanding and cooperation with his divine plan. As we 223 00:14:05,240 --> 00:14:09,320 Speaker 3: reflect on this portion of the Nativity story, Joseph's example 224 00:14:09,400 --> 00:14:13,520 Speaker 3: is both an encouragement and a challenge. He stood at 225 00:14:13,520 --> 00:14:16,880 Speaker 3: the crossroads of judgment and mercy and chose the path 226 00:14:16,920 --> 00:14:21,520 Speaker 3: of mercy, unknowingly echoing the profound mercy God offers to 227 00:14:21,640 --> 00:14:25,120 Speaker 3: us through the birth of Jesus. This Christmas let us 228 00:14:25,320 --> 00:14:29,720 Speaker 3: strive to model Joseph's example in our own lives, when 229 00:14:29,800 --> 00:14:32,840 Speaker 3: we feel betrayed or hurt, ny we have the strength 230 00:14:32,840 --> 00:14:37,000 Speaker 3: to choose mercy over judgment, remembering that God chose mercy 231 00:14:37,040 --> 00:14:42,200 Speaker 3: for us, gifting us his son to guide us toward love, forgiveness, 232 00:14:42,640 --> 00:14:47,680 Speaker 3: and reconciliation. The Christmas story isn't only about the miraculous 233 00:14:47,720 --> 00:14:51,280 Speaker 3: birth of Jesus, but also about the people God chose 234 00:14:51,320 --> 00:14:55,200 Speaker 3: to be part of that miracle. Just as Joseph had 235 00:14:55,200 --> 00:14:58,280 Speaker 3: a crucial part to play, we too have a role 236 00:14:58,320 --> 00:15:02,680 Speaker 3: in God's divine narrative. Like Joseph, May we be willing 237 00:15:02,720 --> 00:15:06,840 Speaker 3: to embrace life's unexpected urns, bearing in mind that in 238 00:15:06,960 --> 00:15:10,800 Speaker 3: doing so we become part of God's grand story of 239 00:15:10,840 --> 00:15:16,600 Speaker 3: salvation and mercy. In our next episode, Joseph will be 240 00:15:16,640 --> 00:15:19,600 Speaker 3: face to face with the same Angel that stole Zechariah's 241 00:15:19,680 --> 00:15:24,440 Speaker 3: voice and heralded the coming of Christ. Joseph's loyalty and 242 00:15:24,720 --> 00:15:27,440 Speaker 3: character will be tested, and the journey to the Manger 243 00:15:27,480 --> 00:15:31,600 Speaker 3: will be underway. Thank you for listening to today's Bible 244 00:15:31,640 --> 00:15:35,000 Speaker 3: in a Year podcast. I'm Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas, 245 00:15:35,040 --> 00:15:37,200 Speaker 3: and before we go, I want you to know that 246 00:15:37,240 --> 00:15:40,200 Speaker 3: I would love to send you my daily devotional to 247 00:15:40,240 --> 00:15:44,520 Speaker 3: give you fresh encouragement every single day, So visit Jack 248 00:15:44,600 --> 00:15:47,600 Speaker 3: Graham dot org to sign up for your PowerPoint Today 249 00:15:47,840 --> 00:15:50,800 Speaker 3: devotional that's Jack Graham dot org