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Scripture and Sermon Slides December 22, 2013. Gospel Reading. Matthew 1:18-25. 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
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Gospel Reading Matthew 1:18-25
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
19 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.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
23 “The virgin will conceiveand give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son.And he gave him the name Jesus.
Love Matthew 1:18-25 Forth Sunday of Advent December 22 , 2013 Rev. John W. Landis
Christmas is a time to celebrate!It is also a time to learn!
Christmas is time forfamily and friends! • We gather together • We celebrate • We enjoy each other’s company • At least we hope so . . . sometimes
If we are the Family of God, maybe we should . . . • Gather together • Celebrate • Enjoy each other’s company
Family of Jesus • Believed in each other • Joseph in Mary • Mary in Jesus • Took care of each other • Elizabeth and Mary
Family of Jesus • Loved each other • Joseph loved Mary • He did not abandon her • When she was pregnant • When Herod threatened • Mary loved Jesus • She did not abandon him • When he disobeyed her • When she thought he was crazy • When he was arrested, tortured and executed
Believed in and Trusted God! • Elizabeth • Zechariah • Joseph • Mary Jesus!
If we are the Family of God, maybe we should also. . . • Believe in each other • Take care of each other • Love each other Believe and Trust God!
We have talked about the rest of Jesus’ family • Elizabeth • John • Mary But we haven’t talked about Joseph
What do we know about Joseph? • Not MUCH! • We know his genealogy from Matthew and Luke • Traces back to Abraham in Matthew • And David in both • And God in Luke • Lived in Nazareth • We know he was a carpenter from Matthew and Mark • Jesus’ step-dad The Rest we have to Deduce
What can we deduce • He is older than Mary • Righteous man • According to Matthew • Follower of the law • Presents Jesus at the Temple • Went up to the Temple for the feasts • Probably had some money • Compassionate • Did not want to disgrace Mary • Or condemn her
What can we deduce • Courageous • Risks his own reputation by staying with Mary • Trusts and Listens to God • Stays with Mary • Gets out of town when God tells him to go to Egypt God Trusts HIM! (He has him bring up Jesus!)
What Does God Think of US?(As evidenced by what God is asking us to do?)
What can we learnas we come to the stable this Christmas? • From Zechariah • To watch what we wish for and what we say • From Elizabeth • Nothing is impossible • From John • We need to repent and prepare
What can we learnas we come to the stable this Christmas? • From the Inn Keeper • To find shelter for those who need it • From the animals • There is a role in all of creation for us all • From the shepherds • Not to be afraid • From the Angels • To rejoice and be at peace
What can we learnas we come to the stable this Christmas? • From Herod • There is evil in this world • From the Magi • Follow where God leads, even if we don’t see the destination
What can we learnas we come to the stable this Christmas? • From Mary • To have courage and do what God asks • From Joseph • To have faith and compassion • From Jesus • That we are loved by God
“For God so loved the World that He sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Himshould not perish but haveEverlasting Life”