Wow, what interesting passages to start off 2026! As I read these Scriptures, I continued to be astounded at the details in which God shows himself.
I am not sure how many of you reading this still have Christmas décor up—maybe you want to linger in the festivities, maybe you are too busy to organize it and put it away, maybe you sustained an injury and cannot haul everything to the basement or attic. Micah 5 brings me right back to the advent season, with a promise that a ruler will come out of Bethlehem. This gives me such hope. Scholars think Micah wrote this 700-800 years before the birth of Jesus. By the time Jesus was born, none of those hearing Micah’s words were around to witness the prediction coming true. We know it happened, just as was promised. I wonder, how many people lost hope while waiting? When I lose hope, I fall into discouragement, then loss of vision. This is a dangerous place to be, because I start to think God doesn’t care, and I might as well do what I want, whatever that may be.
I wonder if that’s where some of the Israelites found themselves, because God warns the Israelites, reminding them of what they already know: he REDEEMED them from slavery, yet they went their own way. However, even in the warnings there are slivers of hope: Micah 6:9: “Listen, the Lord is calling to the city.” Micah 7:7: “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior, my God will hear me.” I know when I am in a rough season, it is hard to wait for the promises of God. God seems silent, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t listening. Micah reminds me God is working behind the scenes, every detail, on my behalf.
Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus. My first thought was—what difference does it make, who had what son? My second thought was—God IS in the details. Forty-two generations recorded before the birth of Christ. All recorded, for us. Many facets of humanity represented in this genealogy.
We then get to see Joseph’s reaction to his betrothed being found with child. It is so touching to me in Matthew 1:19 when we are told “Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
But then—an angel appeared to him In a dream. So many aspects of this show God at work: the angel addressed him by name. No confusion who this message is for! He saw the angel in a dream, not while he was working, or at the temple—in a dream. Joseph couldn’t be distracted; the vision was for him. And he was given the name for his son—Jesus.
We see angels being messengers with the Magi, warned not to go back to Herod. Then angels visited Joseph in dreams again, telling him to escape, and telling him when to return. This certainly emphasizes that God uses a variety of methods to reach us. Sometimes I ask God to give me answers when I sleep (see Psalm 16:7). I am too distracted sometimes—work, family matters, other plans take my attention—but God is faithful to speak to me, through his word, through others, and in dreams.
Matthew then moves to John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus, preaching repentance. People were hungry for the word. I am so encouraged by this—John lived in the wilderness, seemed to be the equivalent of a hippy, and he simply preached repentance. And the people came to him, confessing their sins. The power was in the word. Even Jesus came to be baptized, showing us his humanity.
Reading the Gospels shows me the heart of Jesus. We are living in turbulent times. I need to know God is still aware, still speaking, and still providing direction when my life is confusing, when I have anxiety, or when I feel alone in the battle.
