Joseph and Mary had waited eight days after Jesus’ birth to have Him circumcised and at that time named Him “Jesus”.  Circumcision of a male baby was important.  It was a commandment of God for it was a sign of the covenant of God with Abraham – to give the descendants of Abraham the Promised Land, to establish a nation and to be their God.                           (See Genesis 17:1-12)

  The Law of Moses for the purification of women after giving birth to a baby boy was also done…so after Jesus’ birth Mary and Joseph waited thirty-three days for her purification according to God’s instructions to Moses (See Leviticus 12:1-4).  Then they traveled to Jerusalem from Bethlehem to consecrate Jesus in the Temple.

(NASB) Luke 2:22-24 “And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD.”
24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, ‘A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS.”

What is so incredible about Jesus being conceived, born and growing up in the family and home of Joseph and Mary?

Jesus, the Son of God; Jesus, the Son of Man became a dependent baby to be set apart for God’s use.  A vulnerable baby, absolutely dependent on Joseph and Mary to protect, nurture and guide Him in His years of growing to maturity.

Joseph and Mary set Jesus apart as sacred.  A more sacred baby has never been born!

Yielding to God is to be holy!  Have you done that?  Have you yielded (set apart) yourself to God for His use and His purpose?

Another name for yielding is submitting and submission is a word that the world does not want to hear.

Being consecrated to God brings blessing upon blessing…you and I can never, ever out give the Giver of life…the Lord God Almighty of the Bible.