WF Pride

Willingness and Desire to Sacrifice and Serve

Chad Cottingham

While visiting some of the farms last week, I had the chance to meet a wonder lady. She was a wife and mother of one of our employees. Her dedication to her husband and children shown bright. She sacrificed herself to serve her husband and children in any way she could. Trips to daycare, athletic practices, the doctor, church, etc… was usually done on her own – almost being a single parent during the planting and harvest season so her husband could farm. It made me think of so many other spouses who sacrifice so much for their families on a regular basis.

During the Christmas season, we do a lot of reflecting and focusing on the birth of Jesus. I want to take a minute and look at the sacrifice that Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, made during this time. Joseph could have easily and legally divorced Mary since she was carrying a child prior to their wedding. But he chose to obey and follow the commands given him by the angel. Joseph swallowed his pride, listened to God, and honored his wife. He sacrificed his needs and served Mary as a way to provide for their unborn baby – Jesus.

“This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25 NLT

Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, thank You for our wonderful spouses and family who sacrifice and serve us daily. Thank you for the example of sacrifice and service that Joseph made so many years ago. Thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to be born as a baby, and die for us as a man. It’s in Jesus name we pray, Amen.