The Glory of Christmas (Love) Joseph

The Glory of Christmas: Lessons from Joseph's Love

Bible Passage: Genesis 12–22, Genesis 25–35, Genesis 37–50, Joshua 2, Matthew 1:18–25, Matthew 1:20, Matthew 1:24

Summary: This sermon explores the biblical accounts that highlight the love and obedience of Joseph, and how these themes resonate with the glory of Christmas in presenting the birth of Jesus.

Application: This message encourages believers to reflect on their own responses to God's call and the importance of love and obedience, especially during the holiday season where distractions can pull us away from the true meaning of Christmas.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Joseph's example of faithfulness and love serves as a model for Christians today, reminding us to prioritize God’s will in our lives and relationships during challenging circumstances.

How this passage could point to Christ: Joseph's story foreshadows the ultimate obedience of Jesus, who, like Joseph, embraced the call of God under difficult circumstances. The birth of Jesus signifies God's fulfillment of His promises, embodied in His faithful servants, including Joseph.

Big Idea: The glory of Christmas is revealed through Joseph's unwavering love and obedience, which invites us to embrace our God-given roles in the unfolding narrative of redemption.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the narrative structure and cultural context of Joseph's story using Logos. Look into the genealogies presented in Matthew 1 to discuss how Joseph's lineage fulfills Old Testament prophecies. Additionally, examining extrabiblical Jewish sources on the significance of dreams might help illuminate the divine guidance Joseph received.

1. Joseph's Journey to Obedience

Matthew 1:18–21

You could explore how Joseph's initial shock and confusion upon learning of Mary's pregnancy turned to obedience through divine guidance. This highlights the glory of Christmas as a time of obedience to God's higher purposes, even when they challenge our understanding. This reflection suggests that believers, like Joseph, should trust God's direction in their lives, particularly during the holiday season, when faith might be challenged. Christ's coming was made possible through Joseph's faithfulness, foreshadowing Christ's own life of perfect obedience.

Consider the historical context of Joseph's life. He lived in a society that prized honor, and taking in a pregnant fiancée could lead to scandal. Yet, he prioritized obedience to God's command over societal expectations. His willingness to defy public opinion for divine purpose shows that the path to obedience is often paved with personal sacrifice and courage, challenging us to examine what God may be asking of us in uncomfortable times.

2. Joseph's Unwavering Commitment

Matthew 1:22-25

Perhaps you could illustrate how Joseph's acceptance of the angel's message and decision to take Mary as his wife demonstrates his love and trust in God’s plan. Despite societal pressures and personal doubts, Joseph's actions underscore that the true glory of Christmas lies in unwavering commitment and love, mirroring Christ's sacrificial love for humanity. This encourages Christians to reflect on the assurance that God's promises, as seen in Jesus' birth, are reliable and deserving of our full trust and dedication.

In biblical times, being an unwed mother could lead to severe ostracization. Joseph was faced with a tough choice; breaking off the engagement would spare him public shame, but would he betray the one he loved? Instead, he chose to honor God's message. His unwavering commitment to Mary reminds us that sometimes love requires sacrificial choices—an act that mirrors Christ's love for humanity. Let us learn to trust in God's unfailing promises, even amidst uncertainties and societal pressures.

3. Joseph's Receptive Heart

Matthew 1:20, 24

Maybe explore Joseph's receptive heart to divine intervention through dreams, initiating his participation in God's redemptive plan. His experiences prefigured Christ's openness to the Father's will. This sermon point could inspire believers to remain open to God's guidance, even through unexpected means, and see Christmas as a season of divine invitation to partake in God's unfolding story. Joseph's story reminds us that obedience and love are central to experiencing the full glory of Christmas, echoing Jesus' own life purpose.

In ancient times, dreams were often seen as a portal to divine messages. Joseph, faced with a puzzling situation, experienced a series of dreams that led him into the heart of God's redemptive plan. He did not resist; instead, he embraced his role to bring forth Jesus. This Christmas season, consider how we might block God's invitations with our plans. Just as Joseph submitted to a higher purpose, we too are called to say 'yes' to God's unfolding story, welcoming the unexpected.