CHOOSING JOY THIS CHRISTMAS

Matthew 1:18-25

1. IN THE FACE OF FEAR, MARY CHOSE TO TRUST GOD.  

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  Luke 1:29-30

I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. …   Luke 1:38

And Mary said: 

“My soul glorifies the Lord 

47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,   Luke 1:46

2. JOSEPH CHOSE GRACE INSTEAD OF HURT. 

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. 19 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. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, t because he will save his people from their sins.

Trust in him at all times, you people; 

pour out your hearts to him, 

for God is our refuge.  Psalm 62:8 

3. IN THE DARKNESS, THE WISE MEN CHOSE TO FOLLOW GOD. 

We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.   Matthew 2:12

CONCLUSION:

🡪 (ANXIETY) CHOOSE TO TRUST GOD – SURRENDER/PRAISE

🡪 (HURT) CHOOSE GRACE – POUR OUT YOUR HEART TO GOD

🡪 (CONFUSION) FOLLOW GOD CLOSELY