The Glory of Christmas
Key Scripture
1 Chronicles 29:11 – “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.”
Matthew 1:18–25 – The account of Jesus’ birth and God’s direction to Joseph.
Joseph’s Dilemma
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Joseph faced a deeply personal crisis when he learned that Mary was pregnant.
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Matthew 1:19 describes Joseph as a righteous man—compassionate, obedient to the Law, and unwilling to shame Mary publicly.
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His dilemma highlights the tension between human understanding and divine purpose.
Joseph’s Dream
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In Matthew 1:20, an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream and says:
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“Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife.”
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The child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
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God reassures Joseph that this situation is not a mistake but a miracle.
The Name of Jesus
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Matthew 1:21 – “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.”
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Jesus’ name reveals His mission—salvation, not just significance.
Fulfilled Prophecy
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Matthew 1:22–23 connects Jesus’ birth to prophecy:
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“They will call Him Emmanuel,” meaning God with us.
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Christmas is the moment when God’s glory enters human history.
Joseph’s Decision
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Matthew 1:24–25 – Joseph obeyed immediately:
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He took Mary as his wife.
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He honored God through purity and obedience.
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He named the child Jesus, submitting fully to God’s command.
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Joseph’s quiet faith demonstrates that God’s glory is often revealed through humble obedience.
Summary
The glory of Christmas is seen through Joseph’s response:
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Trusting God in uncertainty
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Listening to God’s voice
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Obeying without full understanding
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Participating in God’s redemptive plan
Christmas declares that God reigns, God saves, and God is with us.