Open the Gifts of His Love and Peace (Matthew 1:18-25)
Gearl Spicer, December 19, 2021
Part of the The Gift Of Christmas series, preached at a Sunday Online service
Matthew 1:18–25 (Listen)
18 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.
(ESV)
Sermon Notes
The Gift Of Christmas
Open the Gifts of His Love and Peace
Matthew 1:18-25
12/19/21
Will you open the gifts money can't buy this year?
God's love - Unconditionally and powerfully transforming!
God's peace - Impactful and personally empowering!
Our lives are a reflection of His love and peace -
"But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not bet afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit." vs. 20
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, God with us." vs. 23
The gift of God comes at Christmas -
I. God's perfect plans and timing unfolded before the eyes of Joseph and Mary-vs. 18-19
A. Virgin birth was affirmation of God's gift to us
B. Joseph's character reflected the desire to protect Mary
II. God's angel appeared at a divine moment to direct his heart - vs. 20-21
A. God takes away fear and affirms His plan
B. God directs his heart to the gift of our Savior
III. God's fulfillment of prophecy led to immanuel - vs. 22-25
A. Greatest gift ever given - God with us
B. Joseph responded in obedience to God's perfect plan
His name is Jesus! Our greatest gift!
Will you open the gift?