Shining the Light of Wonder (Matthew 1:18-25)
Gearl Spicer, December 11, 2022
Part of the Christmas - Light Of The World 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
Christmas - Light Of The World
Shining the Light of Wonder
Matthew 1:18-25
12/11/22
Wonderful: Inspiring delight/Marvelous/Astonishing
Can you describe the most wonderful experiences of your life?
*Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
*Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 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 be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for this Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18-20
*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. Matthew 1:23
Christmas is all about:
*Wonder
*Adoration
*Hope
Lesson #1 - Complex challenges are answered in the simplicity of Jesus - Matthew 1:18-20
*Our challenges are always anchored in Jesus and the hope only He gives!
Lesson #2 - Affirmations come to validate God's purpose - Matthew 1:21-23
*Our purpose is revealed to us as we seek Him and surrender to Him!
Lesson #3 - Instructions were clear and concise to compel Joseph forward - Matthew 1:24-25
*We must awaken to all God has in store for us and yield to His perfect plan!
Are you ready to experience His wonder this Christmas?