THE CAST OF CHRISTMAS: The shepherds and ensemble 12-14-25

THE CAST OF CHRISTMAS: The shepherds and ensemble 12-14-25

INTRODUCTION

Joseph and Mary and the Christmas story.  Their faithfulness and faith are vital characteristics of the cast of Christmas.

According to a British Paper (Romsey Advertiser):

"Christmas shoppers looking for a bargain should be wary of counterfeit goods which flood the market in the run-up to the festive season," the UK Border Agency has warned.

"Fake Ugg Boots, GHD hair straighteners, iPhones and iPads are among the tens of thousands of counterfeit items that have been seized by officers as they have been brought into the country in recent months."

While some people may unwittingly buy counterfeit gifts, many more people celebrate a counterfeit Christmas, celebrating Jesus’ birthday with little thought of Jesus.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” 

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The message of Christmas

I. THE SHEPHERDS

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭20 ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭20 ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A. Wonder

1. Angels

2. Angel army

3. Angel message

B. Wondering

1. “Let’s go see”

2. “What the Lord has told us about”

C. Witness

1. They hurried off.

2. They found Mary, Joseph, and the baby.

D. Witnessing

1. They spread the word about this child.

2.  All who heard it were amazed.

E. Worship

1. They returned glorifying and praising God 

2. “For all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

“This is the Christmas Gospel: Jesus, God in flesh, unrobed Himself from His divine essences to be encumbered in sinless human flesh; so that He might: atone, redeem, reconcile, justify, sanctify and glorify sinful humanity. The gift of eternal life is through faith in Christ. Jesus is our Savior, Redeemer, Sanctifier, Justifier, Glorifier, Lord and God!" 

David Tack, December 14, 2010.

II. SIMEON

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A. A promise kept - Simeon sees the Christ child.

B. A blessing given - Simeon blessed them.

C. A prophecy proclaimed - Simeon shares with Jesus’ mother.

1. “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel”

2. “and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed”

3. “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

A British businessman is credited with creating the Christmas card in 1843 — as a way to save time. Too busy to write a personal holiday greeting, Henry Cole hired a well-known London artist to design a card he could send to all his acquaintances. Louis Prang, a German immigrant, is said to have brought the Christmas card tradition to America in 1875, printing a card depicting Killarney roses and the words Merry Christmas. In the last few years, Christmas card sales have declined because of the Internet. Thanks to all who carry on the tradition of sending cards.

Davon Huss, Sermon Central, December 20, 2011. 

Most important though is that we continue to the tradition of telling the story of Christmas.

III. ANNA

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A. A prophet

1. Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher

2. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.

3. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

B. The prophecy

*. “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

A Christmas Poem by Aaron Hand

The King of Kings, the Lord of Lords

Came to earth for you and me.

The salvation I could not afford

He paid for on Calvary.

What could I ever give Him

That would thank Him for His Son?

I’ll confess, and turn from my sin

And live in the victory won!

I often lose sight of Jesus,

Because of Santa and Christmas trees.

Jesus Christ is more than enough

To grant me eternity.

He’s the Wonderful Counselor,

The Mighty God, Prince of Peace,

He’s the Everlasting Father,

And to think – He came for me!

He deserves no less than my all,

Though it’s easy to give Him less.

Though born in a humble stall,

God sent me His very best.

- Aaron Hand, 2007

CONCLUSION

The cast of Christmas included the usual characters of Joseph and Mary, but the story also includes the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna. Their faith speaks to us today. They witnessed to the truth of the Christ. The shepherds told about the angels, the scene in Bethlehem, and the Messiah. Simeon proclaimed the outcome of His birth. Anna gave thanks to God connected Jesus to the redemption of Jerusalem.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

S.U.M. It Up! 12-10-25

12-7-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

THE CAST OF CHRISTMAS: Mary 12-7-25

THE CAST OF CHRISTMAS: Mary 12-7-25

INTRODUCTION

NAME THAT CHRISTMAS CAROL

1. Bleached Yule

2. Castaneous-colored Seed Vesicated in a

Conflagration

3. Singular Yearning for the Twin Anterior Incisors

4. Righteous Darkness

5. Arrival Time 2400 hrs - Weather Cloudless

6. Loyal Followers Advance

7. Far Off in a Feeder

8. Array the Corridor

9. Bantam Male Percussionist

10. Monarchial Triad

11. Nocturnal Noiselessness

12. Jehovah Deactivate Blithe Chevaliers

13. Red Man En Route to Borough

14. Frozen Precipitation Commence

15. Proceed and Enlighten on the Pinnacl

16. The Quadruped with the Vermillion Probiscis

17. Query Regarding Identity of Descendant

18. Delight for this Planet

19. Give Attention to the Melodious Celestial Beings

20. The Dozen Festive 24 Hour Intervals

Answers:

1. White Christmas

2. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

3. All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth

4. O Holy Night

5. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

6. O Come, All Ye Faithful

7. Away in a Manger

8. Deck the Hall

9. Little Drummer Boy

10. We Three Kings

11. Silent Night

12. God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen

13. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

14. Let it Snow

15. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

16. Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer

17. What Child is This?

18. Joy to the World

19. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

20. The Twelve Days of Christmas

As one department store advertised in December of 1983 "Make this Christmas one you will not soon forget – charge everything!"

Jeff Strite, Sermon Central, December 10, 2002.

The cast of Christmas - Joseph and his faithfulness

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:26-2:7 ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭1:26-56‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭2:1-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Faith - Mary trusted God.

I.  SHE BELIEVED

Bob Russell, pastor and author, tells a story of how about twenty years ago there was a house near the entrance of his subdivision that kept their Christmas lights burning long after the season was past. They burned through January. Even through the first of February those outside lights burned every night. Finally, about the middle of February, he said, he became a bit critical and said, "If I were too lazy to take my Christmas lights down, I think I’d at least turn them off at night."

But about the middle of March there was a sign outside of their house that explained why they’d left the lights on. It said simply, "Welcome home, Jimmy." Pastor Russell went on to say, “We learned that that family had a son in Vietnam, and they had unashamedly left their Christmas lights on in anticipation of his return. Lights are a symbol of hope."

Robert Russell, author and pastor of Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Kentucky.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Overcame fear and confusion

B.  I am the Lord's servant

C.  May your word to me be fulfilled.

There is a seldom noticed yet preciously tender lesson to be found in Mary’s actions immediately following the angel’s visit announcing her role as bearer of the Christ Child. She had been told that her cousin Elizabeth was also experiencing an unusual, though different, visitation of God’s grace: that now late in life, she was in the sixth month of pregnancy with her first child (Luke 1:36).

Now, almost immediately after she has discovered that she, Mary of Nazareth, is about to become the most unique woman in history, notice how beautifully her attention turns from herself to a need where she can serve.

She travels to help Elizabeth, and verse 56 says that Mary stayed with her aged relative and served her until Elizabeth’s baby was delivered.

This could well become our most important Christmas lesson for this year. Mary demonstrates a principle of God’s love in action: “May I be more concerned to assist the fulfillment of what the Lord is doing in another person than I am with what He is doing in me.”

Jack W. Hayford, Celebrate! Daily Devotions for the Spirit-Filled Life, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, 1992, page: December 9.

II.  SHE PRAISED GOD

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭46‬-‭55‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.””

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭46‬-‭55‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Anyway  

B.  Humility

C.  Honor

We can get victory over hardships by singing praise to the Lord.

"My mouth is filled with Your praise...all day long." Ps. 71:8 NAS

Roger Bennett, pianist and songwriter died in 2007. Prior to his death he wrote on his website:

Our enemy stalks us exactly the way the Bible describes, as a roaring lion. He hides in the bushes waiting for any sign of weakness. Then he strikes. He didn't strike me physically. He struck a more critical part -- my joy...confidence...and hope. Every thought turned towards heaven bounced back like it was made of brass. Every time I tried to look on the bright side, I ended up imagining a dark future. Then he threw his most effective dart -- doubt. "You call yourself a Christian. What a hypocrite! You're more afraid than ever...more filled with despair. So much for your faith, Mr. Gospel Singer!" I believed every thing he said. I tried everything I knew to pull out of it...I thought if I dozed off it would pass...but the clock seemed to move in slow motion. Sleep was nowhere near. I tried to lose myself in the Bible, but the words blurred and I couldn't make sense of them."

Then Bennett had an epiphany, as he thought about Paul and Silas in prison. "They didn't despair," he wrote: "They sang praises and that became their weapon. One after another...old songs came to me and I sang them to my empty room. It wasn't a great performance, but it may be the most powerful blessing I've received." The Palmist wrote, "My mouth is filled with Your praise...all day long.

Ray Ellis, Sermon Central, November 22, 2010.

III.  SHE FULFILLED HER SERVICE

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

‭‭ Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Gave birth

B.  Cared for

C.  Did the best she could

When Pope Julius I authorized December 25 to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus in A.D. 353, who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today.

When Professor Charles Follen lit candles on the first Christmas tree in America in 1832, who would have ever thought that the decorations would become as elaborate as they are today.

It is a long time since 1832, longer still from 353, longer still from that dark night brightened by a special star in which Jesus the king was born. Yet, as we approach December 25 again, it gives us yet another opportunity to pause, and in the midst of all the excitement and elaborate decorations and expensive commercialization which surround Christmas today, to consider again the event of Christmas and the person whose birth we celebrate.

James W. Cox, The Minister’s Manual: 1994, San Fransico: Harper Collins, 1993, p. 254.

CONCLUSION

Mary believed the impossible and lived like it. She believed God. She praised God. She fulfilled her service to God.

The Days Before Christmas

Twas the days before Christmas, and all through the Church

The pews are all filling, as everyone perched.

The hands are all shaking, and greetings abound

Soon I’ll go to the pulpit, prepared to expound.

I spent the whole week trying to hear what God’s saying

Studying, reading, and earnestly praying

The choir has practiced and taken great care

Their singing this morning, for weeks they’ve prepared

We’ve had Christmas sermons of Angels and Wise men

Of Shepherds and mangers, no room at the Inn

I pray that this week, the message will do

The job of moving the folks from the pew

But I must keep it brief. I must watch my time

For at noon I will hear the watches all chime

This is a season so full of distractions

But we know that this world has no satisfaction

If we don’t share the Gospel of Christ

Not just his birth, but His paying our price

If we speak of the manger, but not of the cross

The fullness of Jesus, somehow gets lost

This Christmas season, do Jesus a favor

Make it a season to share Christ the Savior

Anonymous, Sermon Central, December 12, 2002.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now.  If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

11-30-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream

THE CAST OF CHRISTMAS: Joseph 11-30-25

THE CAST OF CHRISTMAS: Joseph 11-30-25

INTRODUCTION

Growing up in the church, Christmas was a very special time of the year.

Christmas programs - angels, shepherds, wisemen, sheep, the star, the manger, Mary and Joseph, Baby Jesus, dads and moms, grandparents

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”

W.T. Ellis

Matthew 1:1-25 NIV

“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon. After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud, Elihud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah. Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. 

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 ‭1:1-25‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

FAITHFULNESS - Faith as an action verb

I.  WHAT JOSEPH DID

Dietriech Bonhoeffer was a pastor and theologian who spoke out against Hitler and the Nazis. As a result he was arrested, imprisoned and then executed just hours before the Allies liberated the concentration camp where he was held. While there, he wrote a series of meditations on Christmas. In one he wrote, "It is not a light thing to God that we celebrate Christmas and do not take it seriously."

Tim Smith, Sermon Central, January 6, 2013.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“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 ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  Faithful to the Law

B.  Faithful to his promise

B.  Faithful to the commands of the angel

It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco. Pastor Mike was looking at the nativity scene outside when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from the figures.

Immediately, Pastor Mike turned towards the church to call the police. But as he was about to do so, he saw little Jimmy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus.

Pastor Mike walked up to Jimmy and said, "Well, Jimmy, where did you get the little infant?" Jimmy replied, "I got him from the church."

"And why did you take him?"

With a sheepish smile, Jimmy said, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to little Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it."

http://www.beliefnet.com

II.  WHAT JOSEPH DID NOT

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬a ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“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.”

‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬a ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

David Stern comments, "The Hebrew/Aramaic word for betrothal is "kiddushin," which signifies "sanctification, separation," for example, the setting aside and separating of a particular woman for a particular man. According to Jewish teaching in the Mishna, adultery during the betrothal period is a more serious sin than adultery after marriage." 

Jewish New Testament Commentary, p. 3.

A.  Break his vow - engagement

B.  Allow sex to become the goal

C.  Live according to his desires

D.  Interfere with God's plan

III.  WHAT JOSEPH GAVE

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭25b‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“And he gave him the name Jesus.”

‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭25b‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

A.  A good name - Jesus "God saves"

B.  His life for this child

1.  Claimed Jesus as his own

2.  Loved Jesus and his mother, Mary

3.  Jesus a great example

One person observed that the message of Christmas was not one of convenience but "cost":

* It cost Mary and Joseph the comforts of home to take a long journey to Bethlehem while she was "very" pregnant with her new child.

* It cost the shepherds their comfort by the campfire and the ease of their shepherd's life answering the call to the manger and then the conviction to tell others the good news.

* It cost the wise men a long journey and expensive gifts and changed lives.

ULTIMATELY

* It cost the early Apostles and the early church persecution and sometimes death.

* It cost missionaries of Christ untold suffering and loss to spread the Good News.

* It cost Christian martyrs of all ages their lives for the sake of Christ.

MORE THAN ALL THIS

* It cost God the Father His own Son--He sent His Son to the earth to save men.

* It cost Jesus a life of sacrifice and service--and a cruel and horrible death.

The Christmas message is ultimately one of cost... not convenience.

Jeff Strite, Sermon Central, December 4, 2011.

CONCLUSION

‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”

‭‭ James‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

What do you need to do in light of your faith?

Not, what do you believe?

Not, what do you think?

Not, how do you feel?

What do you need to do in light of your faith?

Just do it!

“Joseph reminds us that the call of God isn’t always easy or conventional, but it is always right – and God will give us the courage to follow if we’re willing to obey.”

Brian Bill, Senior Pastor, Pontiac Bible Church, Pontiac, IL

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word. You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith. You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things). Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins     and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. If you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church. If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, you can come forward now. If you would like, I would be honored to speak with you following the service about what God is doing in your life.

11-23-25 Kenwood Church of Christ Live Stream