A KAPPA CHRISTMAS 2007 - By Dr. William A. Adkins, National Chaplain
A KAPPA CHRISTMAS
Matthew 1: 18 – 23
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
You know Joseph had to be a good brother. His fiancée informs him that she is pregnant by the Holy Ghost and an angel latter has to confirm it. The bible says that Joseph had “class” and put her away privily, meaning he did not expose her publicly. I find this interesting since in Joseph’s time a woman, even a fiancée cold be stoned to death for being unfaithful. The spirit of Joseph capsulates the nature and spirit of the season: forgiveness and love. It’s important this Christmas to reacquaint ourselves with the true spirit of the season. Life is oft times bitter and hard, yet there is still good news, a savior was born on Christmas morning. Regardless of the vicissitudes of life we have the power to overcome them, all because of Jesus.
He came into the world not only to redeem us from our sins but also to give us life, more abundantly. What a promise that is! Not just life – not just existence – but life that means something – life that has worth – abundant life. He gave us life with a purpose; a life, which has value, a life with meaning. As the God-man, Jesus mediates God to humans; as the Man-God, He represents humans to God. By faith-union with Him, men and women, as adopted children of God, participate in His filial relation to God as Father.
My Brothers, on this Christmas morning remember the Savior and remember what He means to you. As the sustainer of the universe he came to earth wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a cattle food trough, taking off His royal robes and putting on flesh just for us. But yet, in the midst of this homeliness and poverty He redeems and reclaims us. He is Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the End, The Rose of Sharon, The Bright and Morning Star. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my Brothers in the Bond.