The Joy of Family

I’m grateful that my childhood memories of Christmas are filled with so much joy. Eating Mexican food every Christmas Eve and snuggling up to watch Christmas movies as a family were simple moments where we cherished being together. Other precious traditions, such as gathering around the piano to sing Christmas carols and hymns, reading the nativity story as a family, and our big breakfast together on Christmas morning, brought our focus to the Lord and the hope that the Christmas message brings us. In even the most ordinary of traditions, we can find extraordinary joy when we place Christ at the center of our lives. As we dive into the story of Joseph and Mary, let’s reflect on how their journey encourages us in our own family experiences.

Take a look at the story in Matthew 1:20–21, where we find Joseph in a tough spot. His initial hopes of what his life would look like are shattered when he discovers that Mary is pregnant. This is a situation that could bring with it so much scandal and shame. He knows he is not the father of this child and plans to divorce Mary quietly. He’s faced with a lot of uncertainty, but God intervenes in his confusion and fear by sending an angel. 

The angel shows up to reassure him with a simple yet powerful message: “Do not be afraid.” The angel confirms Mary’s pregnancy is of the Holy Spirit and that when the baby is born, they will call Him Jesus because He will save His people from their sins. Trusting God and taking a step forward in obedience can be scary. Joseph didn’t understand all of the details, just as we don’t always understand the full picture when God calls us to walk in faith. But Joseph’s obedience to accept God’s plan for his family was crucial. Joseph chose to embrace this call from the Lord, which ultimately led to great joy and purpose.

Joseph reminds us in this story that the journey of family often requires so much courage. He could have chosen to walk away and try to protect his reputation over this calling from the Lord. Instead, he chose to listen to the angel’s message and continued to support and love Mary. In our own lives, we will face unexpected challenges in our families—difficult decisions, health issues, family conflict, and fractured relationships. But just as Joseph accepted the call to embrace his role in God’s plan, we are invited to step into our family roles with faith and courage, trusting that God will be faithful in the midst of our trials. Family provides a unique and humbling opportunity to practice love, forgiveness, and grace.

Mary also demonstrates great faith as she receives her calling from the Lord. While there may have been an initial rush of joy as she heard that she had been chosen to carry the Son of God, I can only imagine that she must have felt the huge weight of what lay ahead. Not only the fear of wondering what it meant for her future as an unwed mother but also the fact that she was carrying the Savior of the world.

In my own life, I tend toward fear and worry about the future of my family and my children. But I know that God has not given us a spirit of fear, and I rely daily on the promise from the Lord that His mercies are new every morning, even in my shortcomings. Despite Mary’s fear and uncertainty, she embraces her calling with remarkable faith. The book of Luke tells us that she responds to the angel by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant.” In the same way, I pray that we cultivate hearts within our own families that are eager to follow God’s calling, trusting in Him fully, just as Mary did.

As we prepare our hearts for the Dallas Christmas Spectacular, I hope you will consider making this a family worship experience. This event isn’t just a show or performance; it’s an incredible opportunity to worship together, celebrate Jesus, and connect with your loved ones. Beyond that, Christmas reminds us that the joy of family is something to celebrate not only during the holiday season but throughout the entire year. And it’s not just about your immediate family—it’s also about the church family we share at First Dallas. As we gather to worship and celebrate the birth of our Savior, we are reminded that we are part of a larger family of believers who are here to encourage, support, and grow together in faith.

Questions for Thought

1. Is there someone in your family you need to forgive? Is there someone on your heart to whom you need to extend grace? In what way could you show love to a family member who may feel excluded or alone?
2. Is there a trial you are currently experiencing in your family? In what way is the Lord asking you to step out in faith and be courageous by trusting in Him?

Daily Challenge

Consider starting a new family tradition that gives you the opportunity to point your family to Christ. For example, maybe it’s baking Christmas cookies to share with neighbors so you have an opportunity to share Christ’s love as a family when you deliver them. Another idea is to make Christmas ornaments that symbolize the nativity and share their meanings as you place them on the tree. Even the simplest of traditions can deepen your family connections and give you the opportunity to make the joy of Christ the center of your family.