In “The Story of Christmas: Mary and Joseph,” you will discover the beautiful and miraculous journey of Mary and Joseph leading up to the birth of Jesus. This video, created by Saddleback Kids, is based on the biblical passages found in Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-25. Saddleback Kids, the children’s ministry at Saddleback Church, has developed engaging and creative ways to teach children about God’s word, and now they’re sharing this enchanting story with you. Join Mary and Joseph on their incredible adventure as they embrace God’s plan and become instrumental in bringing the Savior into the world.
Before Jesus was born, Mary, who lived in Nazareth, had no children and was engaged to a man named Joseph. One day, an angel appeared to Mary, telling her of God’s chosen plan for her. Although initially afraid and confused, Mary trusted in God’s words and accepted the tremendous responsibility of giving birth to a son, who would be named Jesus. Meanwhile, Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant, and while he initially thought she had done something wrong, an angel appeared to him in a dream and explained that the baby was from God. Joseph, a man of God, chose to take Mary as his wife and wholeheartedly embraced the divine plan. Together, Mary and Joseph trusted in God and embarked on a journey that would change the course of history.
The Story of Christmas: Mary and Joseph
The story of Christmas is a beloved tale that has been passed down through generations. It begins with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her engagement to Joseph. Together, they play a crucial role in the divine plan to bring the Savior into the world.
Mary: The Mother of Jesus
Mary, a young woman from the town of Nazareth, was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. She had never been married before and lived according to God’s law. Mary’s faithfulness to God made her the perfect candidate for this important role.
Mary’s Engagement to Joseph
Before the birth of Jesus, Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph. They were planning to get married and start a family together. However, Mary’s unexpected pregnancy presented a challenge to their plans. Despite this, Mary and Joseph remained faithful to each other and trusted in God’s plan.
The Angel Visits Mary
One day, an angel appeared to Mary to deliver an important message. The angel told Mary that she had been chosen by God for a special task. This news filled Mary with fear and confusion, as she didn’t fully understand why God had chosen her. However, the angel reassured Mary and reminded her that God was with her.
Mary’s Fear and Confusion
The angel’s message left Mary feeling afraid and confused. She couldn’t comprehend how she could have a child without being married. However, the angel reminded Mary that nothing was impossible with God. This reassurance gave Mary the courage to trust in God’s plan, despite her fears and doubts.
The Angel’s Message to Mary
The angel told Mary that she would give birth to a son. He would be named Jesus and would be a great king who would reign forever. The angel explained that the Holy Spirit would make Mary pregnant, and the baby born would be holy and called the Son of God. This divine message filled Mary with awe and wonder.
Mary’s Trust in God’s Plan
Despite her initial fear and confusion, Mary made the courageous decision to trust in God’s plan for her life. She had faith that God would guide her through this journey and fulfill His promises. Mary’s trust in God serves as an inspiring example of faith and obedience.
Joseph: A Man of God
Joseph, Mary’s fiancé, also played a crucial role in the story of Christmas. He was a man of God who encountered his own challenges and had to make a difficult decision.
Joseph’s Discovery of Mary’s Pregnancy
Joseph was taken aback when he discovered that Mary was pregnant. He couldn’t understand how this could have happened and initially believed that Mary had done something wrong. However, Joseph’s love for Mary compelled him to handle the situation with compassion and integrity.
Joseph’s Initial Reaction
Upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph faced a difficult decision. According to societal norms, he had every right to break off the engagement and distance himself from Mary. However, Joseph’s strong faith in God guided his actions and responses.
The Angel’s Message to Joseph
In a dream, an angel appeared to Joseph and revealed the truth behind Mary’s pregnancy. The angel explained that the child was from God and that Joseph was to take Mary as his wife. The angel also revealed that the child would be named Jesus and would save people from their sins.
Joseph’s Decision to Take Mary as His Wife
Joseph’s encounter with the angel and the divine message he received brought clarity to his situation. Instead of shaming Mary or abandoning her, Joseph made the courageous decision to take Mary as his wife. He wholeheartedly embraced his role as the earthly father of Jesus and fulfilled God’s plan.
The Holy Spirit’s Role
The Holy Spirit played a significant role in the story of Christmas, particularly in Mary’s pregnancy and the birth of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit’s Role in Mary’s Pregnancy
The angel informed Mary that she would become pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. This divine conception ensured that the child born would be holy and set apart for a special purpose. Through the Holy Spirit’s intervention, God’s plan for the world’s redemption would come to fruition.
The Baby Born to Be Holy
The child born to Mary, named Jesus, was set apart as holy from the moment of his conception. God intended for Jesus to fulfill the prophecy and serve as the Savior of the world. The Holy Spirit’s involvement guaranteed the fulfillment of this divine purpose.
The Son of God
Jesus, the son born to Mary and Joseph, was not an ordinary child. He was the Son of God, sent to Earth to bring salvation to humanity. Jesus’ divinity, coupled with his humble earthly upbringing, made him the perfect bridge between God and mankind.
A Divine Plan Unfolds
Mary and Joseph’s faithfulness to God’s plan played a crucial role in bringing the Savior into the world.
Joseph’s Obedience to God’s Plan
Joseph’s obedience to God’s plan was evident in his decision to take Mary as his wife. Despite the challenges and doubts that may have arisen, Joseph followed God’s message without question. His obedience allowed Jesus to grow up in a loving and stable home, fulfilling the prophecy of the Savior.
Mary and Joseph’s Trust in God’s Plan
Both Mary and Joseph demonstrated unwavering trust in God’s plan for their lives. Despite the confusion and fear they experienced, they remained faithful and obedient. Their willingness to surrender their own desires and submit to God’s will allowed His divine plan to unfold.
Bringing the Savior into the World
Through their trust and obedience, Mary and Joseph played instrumental roles in bringing the Savior, Jesus, into the world. Their faithfulness to God allowed the prophecies to be fulfilled and set in motion the events that would lead to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s redemption.
As we reflect on the story of Christmas, let us be reminded of the humble obedience and unwavering trust exemplified by Mary and Joseph. Their faith in God’s plan serves as an inspiration to us all, encouraging us to seek His will and follow it with unwavering devotion.
