Fulfillment - Agatha Nicol

Saturday, December 17, 2022
Read: Matthew 1:18-21
 
Fulfillment
Behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto Thee Mary thy wife: for the conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
 
Announcement, Preparation, and Support: Born to die, yet destined to live. The angel of the Lord announced to both Mary and Joseph that they would become the parent of the Holy one the son of God with specific instructions about their actions. Mary and Joseph were also assisted in the preparation of the coming of Christ. The reason for His birth is the fulfillment of the prophecy, a savior to die, shedding his precious blood for the forgiveness of our sins, His conception from the Holy Spirit, His name Jesus son of God. Mary and Joseph were supported by God in the handling of the predicament relating to the conception of a child by the Holy Spirit and having a child before marriage.
 
Obedience to God, trusting God, and maintaining an intimate relationship with God are essential in our Christian journey. How do we deal with life choices when challenged? Do we trust God to lead us, or do we make our own decisions to please the world, because that is what the world expects of us?  We must stand on the promises of God, as we live our daily lives to inspire others and motivate us to withstand life challenges.
 
 
 This advent season should inspire us to reflect on how to celebrate the birth of Christ. It is a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the preparation of the second coming since His resurrection. A time to exhibit our faithfulness in our communities and our families by our prayers, good deeds, praise, and Worship translating the true meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ.
We are to reflect on how we deal with trials and temptation in our daily lives, as we exhibit Christlike conduct and attitude. Advent is a time of love, peace, joy, and hope. God is always good to me and my family. Despite difficult and trying times I have learned to give thanks consistently to God. My faith was tried recently when one of my family members became critically ill. My faith in the Lord grew stronger through hope, and peace. God has blessed my family through the love shared, and He has granted us peace according to His will. Do we value the gift of life? if so, do we treat our bodies as the temple of God? Jesus died for our sins, so that we can have eternal life. Are we adequately prepared for the second coming? Are we ready for the second coming of the Lord? These are a few areas to focus on this advent season.
 
May this Advent season be a time to spend with loved ones as we reject the negatives that distract us from getting closer to God. May we accept the gift of the Holy spirit, preparing us for the second coming.
 
Agatha Nicol
Certified Lay Minister