No matter how you choose to celebrate Christ this season, let the Messiah–not the mayhem–reign in your heart. May you be richly blessed in Him!

Read: Matthew 1:20—21

20 But after he [Joseph] had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Reflect: God informs when the time is right (which isn’t typically our timing). Joseph was going to follow-through with the divorce, but God intervened and instructed him otherwise. I love how the Lord reassures us when we’re fearful–just like He did with Joseph in saying, “…do not be afraid.” Joseph was scared, but God brought Him reassurance and peace and He’ll do the same for you.

Respond: Lord, thank you for what Your Word says in Philippians 4:6—7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I give you all my scared and anxious thoughts today and ask for Your peace that surpasses all understanding.

Tot Time: Ask the munchkins what it feels like to be afraid and about a time when they were scared. What did they do? Talk with them about Philippians 4:6—7 and how we can tell God anything and He is ready to listen and respond to us.