Sunday Sermon Summary – Dec 25 2023

Conquering my fears:
Joseph and the angel of the Lord
Matthew 1: 18-25

Mary received the message from Angel Gabriel that she will bear the Son of God. She yielded to God’s will and visited her cousin, Elizabeth who was six months with child. 

1. Confusion: Matthew 1: 18

The Holy Bible says that Joseph was a righteous man.  He was chosen by God to be the earthly father of our Lord.  When he heard that his betrothed wife, Mary was pregnant, he was confused.  This was something he never expected.  It was the biggest shock of his life. Many times when God appoints us to a task; it could be confusing.  We may not understand why this situation has happened.  It takes away our peace of mind.  When we yield to God’s will we can be relaxed even when we go through the toughest times. 

2. ⁠Contention: Matthew 1: 19

Joseph was righteous but he was unable to handle such a situation.  So he decided to secretly nullify the marriage.  He thought that the best thing to do was to get away from the situation he was in.  He wanted to avoid the confusion that the news of Mary being pregnant had brought. He started to make his own plans in dealing the situation.  When we are confused, we usually start to make our own plans.  We take situations into own hands and begin to carry out our own plans.  But God invites us to rely on Him and trust Him to deal with our situations.  God always has plans for our good.  As we celebrate Christmas, God invites us to trust in His goodness. 

3. ⁠Conquer: Matthew 1: 20, 21

All his fears were blown away when the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and told him, “ Fear not to take Mary as your wife.”   The angel gave specific directions even about naming the child. 

All our fears will vanish when we encounter the Word from God.  We will receive strength and guidance.  We will become strong to carry out God’s will.  Joseph never turned back after that.  He fulfilled God’s will in every step.  He earned God’s favour.  He will always be remembered as the “father of baby Jesus.”

May we be willing to allow God to have his way in our lives and receive God’s abundant blessings.  Amen