Christmas is almost here! With just a few shipping days left, people are pouring into the malls trying to purchase those last minute gifts. Families are traveling across the country and the aroma of fresh baked cookies is filling many of our homes, all in anticipation of Christmas day. Christmas day will be here in 4 days! How are you responding to the news Christmas is almost here? Is there joy, panic, anxiety, anticipation? You may respond in a variety of ways, but no one responded more positively than Joseph did when he received the news about the “First Christmas”
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-24
Notice how Joseph responded to the “First Christmas” Verse 24 tells us He woke up, He did what the angel had commanded him and he took Mary home to be his wife. Joseph responded by taking action. Joseph refused to passive regarding Christmas.
In the same way, we should be people of action during this Christmas season. Christmas is a time when people are more open to the spiritual side of life than any other time of the year. We have an opportunity to proclaim a message of hope and redemption to our friends and family members. This Christmas we would be wise to respond as Joseph did on that “First Christmas”…
1. We need to wake up; this is not a time to be lethargic about our Christian walk. There are opportunities all around for each of us to share the good news of Christmas; that will cause great joy for all people, a Savior was born and his name is Jesus.
2. We should do what the Lord commanded.
James 4:17, anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. What is God placing on your heart this Christmas? Joseph took Mary home to be his wife, this implies action. WHAT ACTION DO YOU NEED TO DO THIS CHRISTMAS?
· Is there a person you need to talk to about the Lord?
· Is there a phone call that needs to be made?
· Is there a relationship you need to mend?
· Is there a discipline you need to begin?
· Is there a grudge you need to forgive?
· Is there a habit you need to forsake?
· Is there a sin you need to confess?
· Is there a gift you need to give?
· Is there a place you should go?
You may be saying to yourself, “This would be too difficult for me” But listen, If a righteous man named Joseph could take Mary home and care for her; even when it did not make sense to him, surely you can take action this Christmas as well.
Christmas is almost here, how will you respond to Christmas?
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