Please read Matthew 1:18-25

In the birth story of Jesus, God illustrates the ordinary woven into a narrative of the extraordinary.

God is always working in both ways. We best pay attention.

There was an engagement, which was a normal usual way for a man and woman to express their intentions to be married for a lifetime.

Then Mary became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Not usual or normal or recommended by anyone.

Joseph thought it best that they go their separate ways. Completely understandable considering Joseph’s real broken heart.

Joseph rested. I am sure he was exhausted from the stress and disappointment of the “good” news.

In a dream an angel spoke to him. I don’t know about you, but this has never happened to me.

The angel told the truth of what had happened, but did not get into biological specifics.

Sometimes God must find ways to get our attention in extraordinary ways.

The angel dealt with Joseph’s real, human fear.

The angel laid out the plan. (We need to know “the plan.”)

There was a vision in place for Jesus future. We need to know our purpose in each situation.

Joseph was obedient in a practical way. He took Mary as his wife and they would raise Jesus together.

The baby was born in the usual way, the best we can tell. Joseph named him and later he was taken to the temple for a blessing by Simeon.

Everything happened in a normal, human and physical way. Then God intervened to tell them and teach them that what was happening was extraordinary for them and the whole world.
 
How has God come to show you the extraordinary in the midst of the ordinary?

Moving to the deeper places,
Jeff