Each received a message informing them that their lives were about to drastically change. The long awaited Messiah was about to arrive. Simple, fully human people prepared the way for the King of Kings to come. Were they prepared for His arrival in the reality of His little infant birth, and the responsibility that followed?

A young woman was faced with an incredibly phenomenal, beautiful, and yet gut-wrenchingly hard assignment – to mother the Son of God. Unless inspired by the Holy Spirit Himself, no one would believe this woman was impregnated by Him. This story oozed perceived scandal, one that should have led to her death. How did this woman survive such a weighty commitment?

Upon asking the Lord for refreshed eyes and heart to understand the deeper truths of His divine conception, I am marveling at the Lord’s work in humble people. His direction this year in studying the Christmas story has highlighted the sacrifice and reward of being a follower of Jesus, no matter the cost. This first takes you and me to the incredible story of Joseph, Mary’s betrothed, in Matthew 1