Luke 2:5 New King James Version (NKJV)
“…to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife who was with child.”
Matthew 1:20
“But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”
This is bigger than we thought.
The bible says all the scripture (old test. And new) is given for reproof and instruction. I know everyone wants to take it as a book of rules as in “the spirit of rules.” The spirit of death gets in with the spirit of ‘rules that can save us” and that’s why the letter of the law kills and the Spirit gives us life.
Whether the Old Testament or the New; you can see the Spirit of life at work (even in the Old Testament) and likewise; People can take the New Testament and make it into a book of death instead of into a book of life.
How; you ask? Take the example of the woman caught in Adultery. Jesus comes along; the Pharisees are quoting the scripture to him (as if he didn’t know it already) telling him this woman needs to be stoned because she was caught in sin.
After saying whoever is without sin should cast the first stone, and after they had gone away; Jesus said: “Where are your accusers” And then: “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.”
Now how do you take that verse? Do you take it to mean she better not ever commit adultery again, or what if Jesus meant: “Don’t get into unbelief again, or ever think I would condemn you for your bad choices?”
If you really read the whole New Testament “in the Spirit” I think you would see the thread of Grace that runs throughout the entire thing. Not believing is the very big deal: which Jesus addressed time and time again; even with his disciples.
The disciples continually seemed to be reminding him why someone was unworthy of His blessing; why they should go away; why they should shut up; and even why they should go away somewhere to buy their own bread when they were hungry.
Jesus constantly was reminding THEM that all things he was about to do; was by His grace (and mercy and compassion) and could not be earned by men.
In the end; we know how he was crucified because he was just far too unruly; going around healing people who obviously deserved to be punished for their sins. His very presence took away the need for the Pharisees and other religious leaders who so highly regarded themselves; because in reality; What would happen if word got out and continued to spread that all you had to do was “come to Jesus’ and you would be healed, set free, delivered and full of Joy and good news?
What was so threatening about that? (I might ask you.)
Well they wouldn’t need those leaders anymore, if they truly found out what Jesus did and what was done for them; would they?
God’s leaders are servants helping others to get free and get closer to Jesus; Not further away from him.
Certainly the disciples who became Apostles no longer needed the church hierarchy of that day; to tell them what was what.
Before their very eyes; and to their horror I might add; Jesus planted the very seeds of greatness in them that sprung from the rivers of life within himself. And there was nothing they could do to stop it; no matter how hard they tried.
Jesus is very controversial
So; from the beginning; Jesus and his life was extremely controversial. Wasn’t it? Here is Mary; “Pregnant” out of wedlock.
Although we all like to brag how we understand that Jesus fulfilled all this prophecy with his arrival (and he certainly did!) We don’t really like to think about just how controversial his arrival to earth really was.
God had to send an angel to convince Joseph to marry “Jesus’ mom” because he was so terrified of what people were going to think. I can’t say that I blame him for being afraid.
From the day of his arrival; Jesus started getting people in hot water with the ones who believed themselves to be the most informed religious scholars who believed themselves to be experts on the subject of God Almighty.
by Laura Grace: Author, minister and your servant to help you get free.
I do decorate a tree. I do put up some snow men I really love at Christmas time. I am a Holy ghost filled born again Christian woman and yes I do love Christmas! I do not bow to or honor any pagan gunk I simply love that many times people are nicer this time of year; more ready to smile willing to greet you and say “Merry Christmas.” 
The art of encouraging others actually springs from a heart of love (and mercy). So many times we wonder why some are great at encouraging and others are not.
gracetogrowdaily 