The Truth About Christmas – Matthew 1:18-25
Christmas, it seems, has suddenly burst upon us out of the blue. We, along with the rest of the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. As the “world’ celebrates by giving gifts to one another. We can celebrate because of what, or I should say, whom God has given to us.
There are many “one-time” events that have taken place through the years, especially those special events by the Hands of God Himself. The birth of His Only Begotten Son is one of these exclusive events.
(Mat 1:18) 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.
Luke 1:27-38
Mary was espoused to Joseph. Espousal was a legally binding marriage commitment. It’s sort of like engagement today, yet more complete, more binding. It could only end by divorce. Before they came together – She was a virgin!
The Church has been espoused – 2 Corinthians 11:2
(Mat 1:19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
In the Old Testament, the Law required a public showing of a woman’s infidelity. Yet, Joseph being a just man desired to divorce her privately..
(Mat 1:20) 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.
Joseph was thinking about the one he loved, and desired to marry. Even if she had committed adultery his love for her was such that he desired to show her mercy and compassion.
For that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost – Is the direct creation of divine power. A body was thus prepared pure and holy, and free from the corruption of sin, in order that he might be qualified for his great work the offering of a pure sacrifice to God. As this was necessary in order to the great work which he came to perform, Joseph is directed by an angel to receive her as pure and virtuous, and as every way worthy of his love.
(Mat 1:21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Revelation 1:5
(Mat 1:22) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Matthew speaks about Old Testament prophecy being fulfilled – “that it might be fulfilled” – (Here, Matthew 2:15,17,23; 3:15; 4:14; 5:18; 8:17, 12:17; 13:14,35; 21:4; 24:34; 26:56; 27:9,35). The importance of Matthew’s relating prophecy in fulfilling the Throne of David by Jesus. Matthew portrays Jesus as King!.
(Mat 1:23) 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.
Isaiah 7:14
(Mat 1:24) Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
(Mat 1:25) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. – See verse 18.
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Matthew 12:46-47 Matthew 13:55 Mark 3:31-35; 6:2-3 Luke 8:19-21 John 2:12 Acts 1:14 Gal. 1:19
Conclusion: Let the miracle that is Christmas be the guiding principle in life. Every bit of the Christmas narrative was completely authored by God Himself. Christmas IS Christ! The Christian life IS Christ! There is no other motivating factor necessary for life and living.
