Today, we are expecting icing and a winter storm. Please pray that it won't be too bad. I am going to try to beat the worst of the weather and get into work early. I still want to post a message, so for this week, I am reposting a Christmas sermon that appeared a few years ago here on the blog. This appeared on the blog in 2013.
Matthew-1:18-2:23
Last week, we looked at Mary the mother of Jesus and the way in which she demonstrates her great commitment to following the will of God for her life. In spite of what the potential consequences were, Mary was willing to do what God wanted her to do. She is an example for all of us to always be willing to do whatever it is God might be calling us to do. Mary was a woman who praised God and was thankful for all that the Lord had done for her.
Mary is not alone as an example of commitment to God in the Christmas story. Joseph of Nazareth also plays his part in showing us a life that pleases God.
Joseph was engaged to Mary, and I'm sure that he was shocked and angered when he first heard the news of Mary's pregnancy. He was no doubt embarrassed and and quite possibly the object of many jokes among his companions.
However, early on we get a picture of the kind of man Joseph was deep down in his heart and why God may have chosen Joseph to help in raising the Son of God. Joseph, although hurt and probably angry, didn't desire any humiliation or shame to come to Mary. The Bible says that, "Joseph being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly." This demonstrates that Joseph was a person of true love. At this point, Joseph is completely unaware of the miraculous nature of Mary's pregnancy. But, Joseph sought no retaliation against Mary.
We see in I Corinthians 13, the great chapter on love, that one the characteristics of someone who truly loves is that they are kind. Also, they are not resentful against others. Joseph truly was a loving, just, and virtuous man.
As Joseph considered his predicament with Mary, an angel appeared to him with an important announcement. The angel, probably Gabriel, told Joseph that Mary was with child from the Holy Spirit. Joseph was instructed to take Mary as his wife and to name the child Jesus because He would save His people from their sins.
Joseph was obedient to the commands of the Lord. Just like Mary, Joseph was unconcerned as to what others thought about him. He would do what the Lord asked without question.
I hope that I can always be a person of love and integrity like Joseph. I hope that I will always immediately be willing to do all that God asks of me.
From Luke's gospel we know the story of how Mary and Joseph had to make their way to the city of Bethlehem in obedience to the degree that went out from Augustus. I can imagine Joseph desperately trying to find a place for Mary to give birth besides a cattle stall. I wonder what went through his mind when first shepherds, then wise men, came to worship the baby in a manger.
It wasn't long before Joseph received another angelic visitation. This time, Joseph was told to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt in order to escape the murderous plans of King Herod. Once again, Joseph obeyed and was faithful.
The Bible is silent as to what happened to Joseph. It is clear that he had already passed away by the time Jesus began His public ministry. We know that Jesus was older than 12 when Joseph died, but more than that is speculation.
During this Christmas season, I urge you to look at the example of Mary and Joseph. Ponder the type of people they were. Consider why God the Father chose them to raise His Son. Most of all, let each of us follow their example of commitment to God's call. May we all strive to do what we can for the Glory of God. Amen.
I hope that you enjoyed this message from the past. Next week, I will try to post a new sermon.. I hope to post the verses on Monday, and reveal the animal book of the year on Wednesday. May God bless you all. Amen.
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