ANOTHER HERO OF CHRISTMAS - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

Our Daily Bread - Monday, December 13, 2016
by RBC Ministries

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ANOTHER HERO OF CHRISTMAS

READ:

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream,
-Matthew 1:19

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Hosea 12-14
Revelation 4

For most of my life, I missed the importance of Joseph in the Christmas story. But after I became a husband and father myself, I had a greater appreciation for Joseph's tender character. Even before he knew how Mary had become pregnant, he decided that he wasn't going to embarrass or punish her for what seemed to be infidelity (Matthew 1:19).
I marvel at his obedience and humility, as he not only did what the angel told him (v.24) but also refrained from physical intimacy with Mary until after Jesus was born (v.25). Later we learn that Joseph was willing to flee his home to protect Jesus (2:13-23).
Imagine the pressure Joseph and Mary must have felt when they learned that Jesus would be theirs to raise and nurture! Imagine the complexity and pressure of having the Son of God living with you every moment of every day; a constant call to holiness by His very presence. What a man Joseph must have been to be trusted by God for this task! What a wonderful example for us to follow, whether we're raising our own children or those born to others who are now entrusted to us.
May God grant us the strength to be faithful like Joseph, even if we don't fully understand God's plan. - Randy Kilgore
We know, Father, that Your wisdom is far above our limited understanding. We thank You that we can rely on You to carry out Your good plans for us. You are worthy of our faithfulness.

The secret of true service is absolute faithfulness wherever God places you.

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