But after Joseph thought about this, an angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream. The angel said, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to accept Mary to be your wife. The baby that is in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son. You will name the son Jesus. Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins."
— Matthew 1:20-21 NLT
Key Thought
Most Christians know the three gifts of the Magi to Jesus were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But, did you know that the angel of the Lord also gave Joseph the assurance that God is giving three gifts in sending Jesus? God's three gifts in Jesus are: 1) a Son of David who fulfills God's promise of a King who will reign forever; 2) a child named Jesus who is God's Son, conceived through the Holy Spirit; and 3) a son named Jesus, the Great Deliverer, who will save his people from their sins. As Jesus' younger brother would later write, God is the Father of "every good and perfect gift" (James 1:17). There is no gift more precious or far-reaching than the gift of Jesus, God's Son, and our Savior.
Today's Prayer
O dear Father, you give such amazing and generous gifts. Thank you for your assurance and love, for people of faith who believe and act on your Word, for the Holy Spirit who leads us in your will, and most of all, for your Son and my Savior, Jesus. For these gifts and a host of others I so often take for granted, I give you thanks. You are wonderful and your love is too great for me to fathom. Please accept my heartfelt praise, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- James 1:16-18
- 2 Corinthians 9:15
- Galatians 4:4-7
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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