Cycle A, Devotional, Good News A4, 4th Sunday in Advent, Matthew 1:18-24Angel appears to Joseph, Forgive people of their sins,Gospel related,December 19, 2004, written by Joan Y. Edwards

Cycle A

Good News A4

Fourth Sunday in Advent

Matthew 1:18-24 New International Version Bible Gateway

He will save the people from their sins.

In the Old Testament days, if a person was going to have a baby and they were not married, they would stone them to death. That was their law. The Angel came and told Joseph not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife into his home. The Angel told Joseph that it was through the Holy Spirit that this child had been conceived in Mary. What a blessing that Joseph listened to the angel and then took such good care of Mary and the baby Jesus.

From Joseph we learn not to judge others and to listen to God’s voice. God speaks to us through different people…parents, brothers, sisters, and even strangers. When help arrives, it is God sending that help straight to you. On Christmas Day remember that God is the source of everything you have. All the food, clothing, intelligence, shelter and other things you consider precious all come from God. Remember to thank God for all the good people and things in your life...especially for sending His son, Jesus to you.

Joseph is a great example of how a father should listen and obey God. He did everything possible to help his wife and child. He used his talents as a carpenter and a protector. He shared God’s love for him with his family. He was loving and compassionate. He did not judge Mary as others did. He judged Mary as God explained to him through the Angel.

If you are angry or upset with others in your family due to disagreements, arguments, a lack of money, or a lack of time together, chances are you may have made an mistake in judgment. You may need to look in the mirror and remember that you are human and that all others in your family are human. But, you are also Godly. Inside your body is a soul that reflects the love God has for you. If the window to your soul is a little dirty, get out the window cleaner of forgiveness and shine it up for Jesus Christ. Forgive yourself for being judgmental, and forgive those in your family who have hurt you. St. Joseph along with the Holy Spirit of God will show you how to bring peace to your family and peace to your heart. He will hand you the paper towel and the bottle of Forgiveness Spray, but you have to apply it to your soul yourself.

Say the “Our Father” and ask God to help you to be caring and to know just what to do to protect your loved ones from harm. Ask him to forgive you and to help you to forgive others.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”