Joseph’s Initial Decision
When Joseph first learned about Mary’s pregnancy, he wanted to go annual the espousal privately because he was scared, but still very much in love with Mary and did not want to humiliate her in anyway possible. Joseph had two options:
1) He could’ve had her go through public trial and judgment where the result would have been Mary’s death,
2) Or we he could have annulled the marriage privately espousal.
Joseph is Visited by the Angel of the Lord
After Joseph had made his decision, an angel appeared to him in a dream and directed that he should take Mary as his wife, and Joseph did just that. By heeding the council of the angel, you learn that Joseph was an obedient man, and trusted the Lord with his decisions. He was visited three times by the angel of the Lord. Each time the angel came down and spoke to him, he listened and obeyed the council from the Lord. Joseph was in tune with the spirit and knew not to stray from the Lord.
Joseph’s Qualities as a Parent
The qualities I find most important in Joseph as a parent is he was obedient in following the Lord. As a parent, I want to be able to listen to the Lord’s council in any major, minor, or life-threatening situation that may occur. After all, the Lord knows best.
Another quality that I admire in Joseph is his ability to recognize the spirit and his ability to stay in close contact with the Lord. It’s something I’m always striving to do, and a task that can be done if we read our scriptures, pray daily, and attend our church meetings.
Mary’s Qualities
Mary was “highly favoured” by the Lord (Luke 1:28). Mary was a woman who was faithful and obedient to the Lord (Luke 1:46), was a grateful woman, and was ready to receive council from the Lord.After Mary found out she was carrying Jesus, she was grateful for the gift of being a mother. I’ll be honest, the moment I found out I was pregnant, I was mortified. Mainly because, my husband and I were and still currently enrolled in school, and knew we both needed to continue to work in order to keep ourselves in school, housed, and fed. Moments later, after telling my husband we were expecting (who proceeded to jump up and down in excitement), I realized this is as happy time for us. We are going to be parents, and I wish my first reaction were as Mary, filled with gratitude for the opportunity to become a Mother. Although I am still scared about having a child now, I am also grateful for the opportunity the Lord has blessed us with to become parents.
Differences between the Genealogies of Matthew:1-17 & Luke 3:23-28
Matthew’s list contains the legal successors to David’s throne. This is not a genealogical list in a strict father-to-son sense, but more of a grandson, great-grandson, nephew, or other relative of the reining monarch type.
Luke’s record is the father-to-son listing that links Joseph to King David. Because Joseph and Mary were cousins, Joseph inherited from his mother, Mary, the blood of David and the right to David’s throne.
Why Christ Needed an Immortal Father and Mortal Mother?
Because Christ was the son of God, He had power over death. Christ had the option to live for eternity, and yet He chose not to. He not only suffered for our sins, He literally died for us. The reason why Christ was able to die was because He had a mortal mother. It’s amazing to know that Christ died for us because He wanted to; it was His decision to die for us so that it would be made possible for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father again. I am so grateful for His sacrifice, for His undying love, and willingness to do all that He can so that we may be happy. I love my Savior, and am very grateful for the atonement and the chance to return to live with my Father and Savior again one day.
Important Questions on the Savior’s Birth
1. Why was all the world taxed?
Answer: Luke 2:2
This was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.
2. What was the name of the city where Jesus was born?
Answer: Luke 2:4
The city was called Bethlehem.
3. Who was abiding in the field?
Answer: Luke 2:8
Shepherds were abiding in the field, watching their flock.
4. What did the Angel of the Lord say unto the shepherds?
Answer: Luke 2:9-11
Christ the Lord was born, who would bring great tidings and joy to all people.
5. What was the sign the angel gave?
Answer: Luke 2:12
You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
6. What did the shepherds do after the angels left?
Answer: Luke: 2:15
The shepherds went into Bethlehem to find Christ.
Possible Titles for Talks at Christmastime
Born this Day in the City of David a Saviour (Luke 2:11)
Glory to God in the Highest (Luke 2:14)
The Sign (Luke 2:12)
I Bring You Good Tidings of Great Joy (Luke 2:10)
Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11)
Wow! Well done! Great info. :)
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