ADVENT - DAY 9 - BUT...

Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons because he was the child of his old age.  And he made him an elaborately embroidered coat.  When his brothers realized that their father loved him more than them, they grew to hate him - they wouldn't even speak to him..."What if Joseph is carrying a grudge and decides to pay us back for all the wrong we did him?" 

So they sent Joseph a message, "Before his death, your father gave this command:  Tell Joseph, 'Forgive your brothers' sin - all the wrongdoing.  They did treat you very badly.'  Will you do it?  Will you forgive the sins of the servants of your father's God?"

When Joseph received their message, he wept.  

Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid.  Do I act for God?  Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good...

Genesis 37:3-4,50:15-17,  19-20

This is the last reading from Genesis in these days leading up to Christmas.  The link below from The Bible Project is a fabulous eight minute overview of Genesis and what these stories have to do with the coming of Christ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4isSyennFo