Sunday, December 17th, 2023

SURPRISE ITS CHRISTMAS 

Part three

JOSEPH THE FORGOTTEN MAN OF THE CHRISTMAS STORY

Matthew 1:18–25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Surprise! If it weren't for Joseph obeying God, humbling himself to carry out the command that he has given in the passage, there wouldn't be a Christmas for us to celebrate. 

He echoes the truth that God takes nobodies and turns them into somebodies for his glory and purpose.

seven emotional experiences that Joseph went through.

The first two emotions: excitement and anticipation. 

The third and fourth emotion that Joseph felt in the story are, shock and betrayal.

Fifth emotional experience: confusion. Joseph is confused.

Three options Joseph had. Option number one, he could expose her publicly as being an unfaithful wife, an unfaithful woman. 

Option number two, he could privately divorce her. 

Option number three, he could marry her. 

Sixth emotional state: fear. 

Joseph had an angel dream: a dream maintained and controlled by God.

Three things are going to happen. Mary's going to have a baby. You're going to name the baby. And that baby's going to save the world.

Joseph then ended up having a seventh and final emotion, and that's this one, resolve.

It was a Transforming dream. Joseph now feels relieved. He is at peace. Joseph is now grateful to be a part of God's plan to save the world.

to follow God's plan, took courage. 

Surprise! It’s a Christmas truth: sometimes the right thing is the hard thing. He made the hard choice. 

Number one, families work best when Jesus is at the center of the family. 

Lesson number two, sometimes the best decisions are the hardest decisions. 

Lesson three, the world needs more Josephs and Mary’s. 

God wants some gifts this Christmas: Your Submission, obedience, and worship and praise from a grateful heart