The STORY of CHRISTMAS

Matt 1:18-23

Introduction: For centuries nearly every young Jewish girl dreamed of being the mother of the coming Savior of the world.  It was not uncommon for husband and wives to refrain from physical relations for months and even years after marriage in the hope that they might be the earthly parents of the Messiah. 

 

v. 18  The Great Surprise. “was found”  It was a surprise to Mary, to Joseph, to their family and friends.  Life changing surprise. How many lives through the ages have been changed by a visit from God and brought surprise to all involved?  The Christian life is one that is full of fresh and pleasant surprises. 1 Co 2:9

 

v. 19 The Great Dilemma.  “a just man, and not willing” Jewish couples always had an engagement that lasted from six months to a year just to prove they did not need to get married.  Moral purity is laughed at today but is one of the greatest gifts any spouse can give to another.  Joseph was a “just” man.  He was right with God.  He was “not willing” He was right with Mary.  He made the right choice. The blessings of God often come down to making the right choice. Heb 11:24-25

 

v. 20 The Great Revelation.  “that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost” It was the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. See v. 22, 23 God always keeps His word. He always keeps his promises. 

“fear not” When in the center of God’s will it will never matter what others may think about you or what they may say. 

 

v. 21 The Great Plan of God.

“He” Jesus. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Not Mohammed, not Buddha,  not Joseph Smith, Not Charles T. Russell, not Pope Paul, not mother Mary, or Pastor Joe Carson.  1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

 

“shall save” Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.  Jesus' purpose for coming was to redeem the lost. Only in Christ is can redemption be found.  In Islam a Muslim must die for his god to have the hope of heaven.  But in Christianity our God died for us that we might not have to die.  He saves us from sin, from self, from Satan’s bondage. 

• I’ve found a Friend, who is all to me, His love is ever true; I love to tell how He lifted me And what His grace can do for you. Saved by His power divine, Saved to new life sublime! Life now is sweet and my joy is complete, For I’m saved, saved, saved!
• I was on my way to hell but Jesus interrupted the trip.

 

“His people” In context speaking about the nation of Israel.  In application He included me. 

·         "Whosoever" surely meaneth me, Surely meaneth me, O surely meaneth me; "Whosoever" surely meaneth me, "Whosoever" meaneth me. 

·         Jesus included me, yes, He included me, When the Lord said, “Whosoever,” He included me; Jesus included me, yes, He included me, When the Lord said, “Whosoever,” He included me.

“from their sins” Romans 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  Gone, gone, gone, gone,
Yes my sins are gone. Now my soul is free and in my hearts a song.
Buried in the deepest sea Yes, that's good enough for me I shall live eternally Praise God! My sins are g-o-n-e, gone!

Thank You for visiting this site. If we can be of help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. Much Blessings on you and yours, Dr. Joseph A.Carson Northland Baptist Ministries