In this Christmas season, as Christians, we focus on the birth of Jesus. We do not think of Santa or reindeer, as those things only get in the way of worshiping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, during this special time of the year. It is a celebration of His birth and for that, we give Him praise. So I invite you to look past all the Movies and TV Shows about Santa Clause and such, and instead, open up the Bible and read about the birth of Jesus. Today, I ask that you open up with me to Matthew, chapter 1, as that is where we will focus our time on today. Starting in verse 18, it reads, 1“now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.” We will stop here for a moment to look at what Joseph was facing and why he was deciding to divorce her in secret. Mary was pregnant and it wasn’t his baby. Many men would divorce their wives in these circumstance. However, what he didn’t know then but would soon know is that this baby did not come from some man but from God above. This information would surely change everything.
So we continue our reading, starting with verse 20. It reads, 1“but while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” So Joseph did go forth and stay with Mary, as the angel instructed. We learn from the angel that Jesus would 1“save his people from their sins.” This is so important and was why he died on the cross for mankind. Lastly, we learn that Jesus was called Emmanuel, for He is God with us. And surely the Lord God was with them and will forever be with us. All praise the Lord Jesus. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Come unto Him today.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will think about You even more so during this Christmas season. It is surely a wonderful time for families to get together and enjoy each other’s company. It is also fun for many people to turn on the TV and watch the Christmas Classics. People also focus their attention on Santa Clause and that brings them joy. Sure, the family part may be good and all, but all these other things are distractions for Your true worship. During this time of year, it not about focusing our time on things that don’t exist and don’t matter. It is a time to celebrate Your birth and tell others of what You’ve done. As believers, we come and worship You Lord. We don’t want anything at all to distract us from worshiping You. You are our King and Lord of all. Other things can try to replace the moment and the most special time of the year but it will never replace Your love and peace. You are my strength and my hope. My promises are in Your, my Savior. I pray that all Christians will turn to You and give You the worship that You deserve. I praise You Lord. I rejoice in Your birth. Thank You for coming down and saving us from our sins. I am eternally grateful. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Matthew 1:18-25 (KJV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
