Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

We celebrate Christmas every year as a constant reminder of how much God do love us, John 3:16. But what are we doing with commemoration of Jesus birth is so wrong. Instead of letting it be a reflection of freely given, freely receiving with love, big company businesses are capitalizing on making profits, people are spending excessive money especially those who are trying to make ends meet and hardly can afford it on gifts in hopes it will be appreciated, playing Santa Claus, when instead the gift is rejected and sometimes regift unknowingly, feeling obligated to give gifts to others who has given to us…the greatest misleading of the meaning of Christmas is in how we all celebrate it. We promote a very negative and corrupt meaning of Christmas. For some the giving or receiving is not even sincere.

If we can’t take the name of the Lord in vain, how dear we take His the meaning of His birth in vain. No wonder so many has fallen away from faith. We are to be the salt of the world and some of us as Christians has lost our saltiness, Matthew 5:13. Jesus is returning and we are to be the trumpets blowing, prophesying and proclaiming the the kingdom. Instead we are consumed by the worldliness trying so much to fit in, that we’re in the world and being of it, when scripture declares we should be the opposite, John 17:11-15 and 1John 2:15-17.

What are to be doing, especially for Christmas? We are to be following Christ, not making it about ourselves, but the less fortunate, those that are in need, like the hungry, cloth the naked, visit the sick and prisoners, praying for them, find the lost sheep…sacrifice yourself in service to the Lord almighty. To give with love without counting the cost. The Lord our God has sent His only begotten son as a saviour to us a great example of how we should be towards one another. When come to Christmas also all wars in the world, bickering, arguments, fighting, hate, vengeance, bitterness…should come to an end at Christmas. Love, forgiveness, healing, restoration of all broken relationship and unity should be the greatest gift we can give to each other in making our world better.

We praying for the return of Jesus to make everything to be made right. But what if it all begins with us? We have to start by resisting the devil that he will flee from us, James 4:7. Instead in our weakness we are lured into his lies, seductions and temptation…which all stem from us not truly knowing and understand who we are in Christ. Our weakness (sin) makes us dependent on God, that why we must do all things through Him, who’s power is made perfect in our weakness, 2 Corinthians 12.

Humanity are rechargeable in our mind, body and soul by the power of God, if only we reach to Him, our Father, who’s arms are stretched out wide to embrace us. Let’s run into the loving arms of the Father, rather the paths that leads us astray, that broad path, Matthew 7:13-14.

“Oh Joseph, how often your role as a provider, protector, stepfather to Jesus and husband to the Virgin Mary has been overlooked and unrecognized for its importance, by man. You were not even mentioned by the prophets when they prophesied of the coming of the Messiah. And sadly, when the prophet Simeon was in the temple on Mary’s day of purification, when both her and Joseph went into the temple to offer a sacrifice, because every male child who opens the womb is to be presented to the Lord, according to the law of Moses that shall be called holy to the Lord. Simeon mention to Mary only, that a sword will be pierced through her own soul, Luke 2:22-35. What about Joseph? He didn’t mention anything to him. Making it seem as though he would not by no means, be affected by what will happen to the child, or in that statement was a prediction of Joseph not going to be around at that, by not mentioning the effects on him? After all that Joseph went through with both mother and child, how could he not be affected by the love and bond they all shared as a family. It has always been about a virgin who shall conceived and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel, Isaiah 7:14.”

Genesis 3:11-12 And the Lord said, “ who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, “ the woman whom thou gravest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 3:16 Unto the woman he said, “ I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”

After reading Genesis 3 I realized it has always been about the woman. Eve was pivotal in the fall of man into sin, but she had done it with innocence, in a child like manner. It seems like she was more inquisitive, and courageous than Adam, just like Mary when the angel Gabriel came to her. Mary spoke up and even questioned the angel, Luke 1:26-38. Eve, like Mary, truly was the leader in the relationship because Adam followed her lead in what she had done, by eating the forbidden fruit; overlooking the seriousness of it; not even taking into consideration to be obedient to the warning God had commanded of them both and to remind Eve. He just went along with it all. Now here in the New Testament Joseph is just like Adam in following the lead of his wife, she said yes and now him. It seem like in the New Testament with both Joseph and Mary, God picked up where the story began with Eve and Adam in the garden telling them not to eat of the forbidden tree. And here goes Joseph like Adam playing a non-active role, but somehow getting caught up with all the drama.

Just imagine the outcome it would have been for the entire world if Adam had said something to Eve about the eating of the fruit and he, himself, had not participated. Adam called Eve flesh of my flesh and bones of my bones and he had, from the beginning, put her before God in his words. “Think of it, after all she was the only one like himself, not God or the animals he had been given to name.” Both Mary and Joseph, unlike Adam and Eve, were in one accord in their obedience to the will and purpose of God, without wavering, regardless what tribulations and trials the devil threw their way. God needed an incorruptible vessel to come through and both Joseph and Mary were the vessels needed. Couldn’t have one without the other to represent humanity. For this reason God had waited for the right time to send His son into the world. Man had to evolve from were they first fell and that is with being obedient to the will and purpose of God.

It took God some time to mold and shape man (humanity) after Adam. Adam had everything provided for him until the fall. The ground that has been cursed because of him; through painful toil he ate food from it and it will produce thorns and thistles. He worked hard just to eat; by the sweat of his brow. Genesis 3:17-19. For the sin of Adam and Eve earth has not been kind to him(man). Man has constantly been whipped and punished by the earth. And here we are blaming bad weather, storms, hurricane, earthquake, floods, tsunami…on climate change, toxicities, global warming…Man doesn’t realize it, but he has to be submissive to eat and live in the world where peace, harmony and tranquility exist not only with each other but nature and the entire earth. Submissive to God! Then and only then can it all be attained.

Joseph along with Mary went through the nativity story unlike what others proclaim are the new Adam and Eve. Why? Because they are the descendent of them, all human born into sin, not deity. But God, through the birth of Jesus, has once again renewed them both. He had renewed Adam and Eve when he sent them out of the garden and put coats of skins and clothed them. They, for the first time, had to learn to be independent of God and all the luxury they were accustomed to in Eden. They were thrown into what seems like the dark on their own with pain, suffering. Now Joseph and Mary are responsible for having thrown of humanity back into the light where Adam and Eve once were before the temptation and the fall.

Joseph, unlike Adam, was honourable, obedient and faithful to the Lord. He could have chosen another wife, put away Mary discreetly as he had planned. Poor Adam had to stick with what he had been given, there was no other. For Joseph, obedience to God in still marrying Mary, for this reason he had become very important. Joseph became Mary’s God-husband, a vessel that God could use for His will and purpose for His son entry into the world, without the devil being any wiser. For it was custom only a husband and a wife to have a baby back in those days.

Matthew 1:25 And did not know her till she had brought forth her first born Son. And he called His name Jesus. Yep! Joseph consummated their marriage, but only after Jesus was born. God isn’t cruel about his Will’s purpose by not taking into consideration to allow these to young people to be truthful in their commitment as husband and wife. It was not a pretend thing for God’s purpose. I believe God knew they truly loved each other and this experience would’ve brought them even closer in their relationship, especially having such a secret to hold on to. They became as one as Adam had first spoke of Eve, “ this is now bones of my bones and flesh of my flesh…Genesis 2:23

I believe Joseph and Mary consummating had to be important for us all to understand why sex is not to be taken lightly, that intimacy produces connection of the mind, body and soul. Mary carried what I call the power and authority of all creation in her womb and it must have affect her in some powerful way. And Joseph making love to Mary must have also affected within his soul. You cannot be touched by Holy Spirit and not be infectious to others.

A purified seed was planted into man (humanity) to make him clean. The devil messed with Eve’s soul, but the Lord renewed not only Mary’s soul but her entire being when she conceived by the Holy Spirit, Jesus. Through a woman sin came and now through a woman sin was conquered.

Why a virgin? I prayed and asked the Lord. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a virgin as: noun a). person who has not had sexual intercourse, b). a person who is inexperienced in a usually specified sphere of activity, c). an unmarried woman devoted to religion, d). an absolutely chaste young woman, d). an unmarried girl or woman, e). a female animal that has never copulated. Adjective meaning: a). Chaste, b). fresh, unspoiled, c). specifically: not altered by human activity…free of impurity or stain: unsullied.

Eve in the garden of Eden with Adam was the original, first and only virgin until satan appeared onto her tempting her to eat from the forbidden tree. Mary was created by God to withstand that same weakness and temptation that led Eve astray into sin. Like Job, God must have put a hedge around Mary to keep her from the wickedness and the wiles of the devil. In keeping Mary pure, sanctified and protected, she served God’s purpose in being chosen to bring forth His only begotten son.

Like so many of those men and women who had been born before Mary in the Bible that God had chosen to fulfill His purpose who were all born into sin, Mary like Samuel was born to her parents as a miracle child, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary meaning of a virgin not altered by human activity… free of impurity or stain: unsullied. Mary who was brought up by parents who love the Lord and was in service unto Him throughout all their generations brought her forth with the same spirit of love, service and faith in the the Lord. It was in her DNA to be who she was chosen to be, the mother of God’s only begotten son. Still in service unto the Lord.

Virginity! Mary’s virginity was more than just abstaining from sexual intercourse, but her mind, body and soul belonged to the Lord. She was innocent, humble, obedient, loving, loyal, faithful and trusting. God was her first love and her everything. Her focus was on all things pertaining to God and God alone in a child-like innocent manner. God was her best friend, confidant…her world. Mary loved God and all of God’s creations. She saw good even in the bad; because she was faithful God was going to make all things good. She was loving, kind, trusting, hopeful and faithful in all things to God. Mary was a praying soul who loved the Lord. Mary would speak to God like he’s standing in the room and she’s the only one who can see Him. Like an imaginary friend she spoke and God answered her. They had a relationship like no other from a baby to now adolescent Mary had been communicating with the Lord. Like an angel sent from Heaven is the best way to describe her character.

Her love for children was undeniable. She faithfully believe that all children was a blessing and a gift from God. A lover and caregiver of children from a very early age, Mary dreamt of having children of her own one day. Mary had a voice to sing and all the children in the neighbourhood loved to hear her sing from a crying baby to a falling toddler, they would stop crying at her voice when she’d sing to them. Her singing can put an unwilling child to sleep. She loved children so much as a protecter of them all. She grew up an only child and with her cousins, and friends as close to siblings as possible whom she spent time playing and taking care of, which she loved to do with such a natural nurturing instinct. Mary can’t be looked at as being just born that way, but she was specifically created, tested and tried from a very young age. Even the animals, like children, loved Mary, they would gather around at the sound of her voice, especially when she sings. The birds would leave from soaring in the sky to rest on her as she sings, especially the doves, like a bunch of white angels they’d fly in a circle all around getting everyone’s attention to stop whatever they are doing and listen.

Mary, this woman, God’s vessel for His only begotten son is an amazing human being. She may not have been like the all those famous men of the Bible, but her role, as simple as they try to make it out to be, was spectacular heroism and a sacrifice. They underplay the importance of Mary’s role as the mother Jesus. She had to represent all mothers and women of God for us all to follow. How many of us would have liked to be the one, but being the one you have to be strong, not just mentally and physically, but spiritually. You have to be willing to be, humble, faithful, trusting, obedient, with all your heart and soul. Letting go and letting God orchestrate every aspect of your life without wavering especially in the worst circumstances of your life when all hell starts breaking lose. When the fire begins to burn, the heat has been turned up with gasoline poured on the fire, can you stand your ground? Do you curse God to die or love Him still? Especially when it’s not about you, but your love child, His and yours only begotten, the blessing and gift you received, God has now taken and given as a lamb to be sacrificed. And now He says to you, a human being with emotions, that soul He has created you with, “ you knew it was going to be like this, stop the crying!” Instead of retaliation for His words, she cries out, “ cover me(protect me from falling into temptation, sin) Lord, I love, and trust Your will be done.” Still humble and innocent as she can be for the love of her life, and her everything, her God.