"The Christ of Christmas"

December 3, 2023

FBC Baxley

am service

Papparao Yelachuri, Advent Devotionals, 181 shoeboxes!,_______________________________________________________________________

Welcome radio and online guests…

*It’s ok if you’re broken, unfaithful, lost, we are too and we are here seeking God’s will and way and plan.

We are all prodigals here…

Some rescued….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

*John 3:16

“The Christ of Christmas”

Matthew 1:18-25

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.

-PRAY

Three Points:

1. The Conception of Christ

2. The Coming of Christ

3. The Commitment to Christ

Introduction:

As we gather together in this season of joy and celebration, our hearts turn to the true reason for the season—the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 1:18-25, we find the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus, and today we will explore three main points that reveal the significance of the Christ of Christmas.

I. The Conception of Christ (Matthew 1:18-20)

A. A Conception Beyond Comprehension

Miraculous Pregnancy (Matthew 1:18)

“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.”

The term "conceived" in Greek is "gennao," which not only signifies physical conception but carries a greater sense of bringing forth or generating.

Mary's conception was not just a biological event but a divine act of bringing forth something extraordinary.

Joseph's initial confusion is expressed in the word "heurisko," indicating his unexpected discovery.

It suggests not simply just finding out information but stumbling upon something unforeseen, emphasizing the surprising nature of Mary's pregnancy.

Angel's Message to Joseph (Matthew 1:20)

“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.”

The angel's words, "that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit," highlights the term "ek," indicating the origin or source. “Ek” in greek means- the Material Out of Which Something Is Made…

Jesus' conception is explicitly linked to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the divine source of this miraculous event.

B. A Divine Revelation

Fulfillment of Prophecy (Matthew 1:22-23)

“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”

The name "Immanuel" is a compound of two Hebrew words: "Immanu" (with us) and "El" (God).

In the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 7:14), the term "Immanuel" expresses the profound truth that God has chosen to dwell among His people.

The Greek term for "virgin" is "parthenos," specifically denoting a young maiden.

This emphasizes not only Mary's purity but aligns with the prophecy's miraculous nature.

C. The Holy Spirit's Involvement

Supernatural Work of the Spirit (Matthew 1:18)

“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.”

The term "of the Holy Spirit" in Greek is "ek pneumatos hagiou," indicating the divine source and agency.

It signifies that Jesus' conception was not a result of human effort but a supernatural work initiated by the Holy Spirit.

The word "hagiou" (holy) emphasizes the sacred and set-apart nature of the Spirit's involvement in this miraculous conception.

Transition:

The Christ of Christmas is not just a historical figure or moment in time… it is a miraculous and divine fulfillment of prophecy.

II. The Coming of Christ (Matthew 1:21-23)

A. The Purpose of His Coming

The Name "Jesus" (Matthew 1:21)

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew "Yehoshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation."

It carries the weight of its origin, declaring not only a name but a mission—to save all humanity from the bondage of sin.

The Greek verb "sozo," translated as "will save" extends beyond mere deliverance.

It implies healing, preserving, and bringing wholeness—a comprehensive salvation.

Salvation from sin and eternal separation

B. Emmanuel—God With Us (Matthew 1:23)

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us).

"Emmanuel" is a transliteration of the Hebrew term "Immanu El."

The concept of God dwelling among His people is not a mere theological thought but a profound reality embodied in the person of Jesus Christ.

The Greek preposition "meta" (among or with)... in "God with us" signifies not just proximity but intimate companionship.

It highlights the closeness of God's presence among us.

C. The Significance for Humanity

A bridge between God and man

The embodiment of God's love and grace

Transition:

The Christ of Christmas not only came to fulfill prophecy but also to be our Savior and Emmanuel.

III. The Commitment to Christ (Matthew 1:24-25)

A. Joseph's Obedience

Obedience of Faith (Matthew 1:24)

“When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,”

Joseph's act of taking Mary as his wife is expressed by the term "paralambano," suggesting more than a formal marriage arrangement.

It conveys a taking alongside, signifying a commitment despite the social and personal challenges.

Joseph's immediate response aligns with the Greek word "egertheis," indicating a prompt and awakened action. His obedience is not reluctant but a result of divine enlightenment and understanding.

B. Naming and Nurturing Jesus

Joseph's Role in Naming (Matthew 1:25)

“but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”

The act of naming, expressed by the term "ekalesen," goes beyond a simple label. In Hebraic culture, naming carries profound significance, often reflecting the nature or purpose of the named. Joseph, under divine guidance, plays a role in affirming Jesus' identity and mission.

The phrase "and he called his name Jesus" echoes the Old Testament practice of naming as an authoritative act, emphasizing the intentional and purposeful nature of the naming process.

C. Model of Obedience for Us

Following God's Guidance (Matthew 1:24)

“When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife,”

The term "didasko," translated as "he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him," signifies more than a mechanical compliance. It implies a teachable spirit—Joseph not only obeyed but embraced the divine instruction with a willingness to learn.

The phrase "as the angel of the Lord commanded him" underscores the authoritative nature of God's guidance, calling us to similarly align our lives with His divine instructions.

Conclusion:

The Christ of Christmas is a miraculous and divine Savior who came to fulfill prophecy, bring salvation, and dwell among us.

As we reflect on the conception, coming, and commitment to Christ in Matthew 1:18-25, let us apply these truths to our lives.

Real-Life Applications:

Embrace the Miraculous: Just as Mary and Joseph experienced the miraculous, we are called to embrace the supernatural work of God in our lives, trusting His plan even when it seems beyond our understanding.

Experience Emmanuel: Recognize that God is with us in every circumstance. The Christ of Christmas is not a distant God but one who intimately walks with us through every joy and trial. Cultivate a daily awareness of His presence.

Model Obedience: Follow Joseph's example of immediate and faithful obedience. In our decisions and actions, let us seek to align our lives with God's will, recognizing that true joy and fulfillment come from surrendering to the Christ of Christmas.

PRAY

Invitation

“Are you born again?”

Is your name written in the Lambs Book of Life?

“Have you surrendered/repented to Jesus?

**How will you lead your family to Christ this Christmas????