Well good morning new life church and merry Christmas to you all. Man, it is great to spend the morning with you, as yes, we celebrate Christmas but that we can come together as families, friends and relatives and hear from God’s word as the real reason we celebrate the birth of Jesus. I have loved in this series how the birth of Jesus as shown in the bible, has so many aspects and layers around it that we can see so many histories yes but also life lessons in the birth and the life of Jesus.
Now I want to ask you, have any of you see the movie Annie, or despicable me or the blind side. It is really those feel-good movies. You know where a child or a group of children is living in foster care, seemed no hope, and along comes a person yes maybe for selfish reasons in the beginning, but we see in these movies how their hearts softened, and in the end these kids are adopted into a household. Well, there is where I want to shine the light on today. In the birth of Jesus through the lens of adoption.
Let us start off by reading together. Matthew 1:18-25(AMP): Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by [the power of] the Holy Spirit. 19And Joseph her [promised] husband, being a just and righteous man and not wanting to expose her publicly to shame, planned to send her away and divorce her quietly. 20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (The LORD is salvation), for He will save His people from their sins.” 22All this happened in order to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet [Isaiah]: 23“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL”—which, when translated, means, “GOD WITH US.” [Is 7:14] 24Then Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and he took Mary [to his home] as his wife, 25but he kept her a virgin until she had given birth to a Son [her firstborn child]; and he named Him Jesus (The LORD is salvation).
Now let me give you some context first on what is happening here. So, Mary and Joseph were bethrowed to each other and in Jewish culture this was a legal and binding agreement. It was a way bigger deal than what we see on engagements today look like. It could only be broken by a formal divorce. So, when Mary fell pregnant, Joseph being a righteous man (meaning an honest loyal, and in right standing within his community, really faced a difficult decision, because according to the law which we know as Deuteronomy 22, public exposure of this Perceived infidelity could have resulted in severe punishment. But you see an Angel visited Joseph, and if you want to know more about angels, Ryan did a sermon a few weeks ago on this.
This is the first point I want to make. Jesus earthly adoption by Joseph changed everything.
But an angel visited him and tells him. Hey Joseph dude this is a miracle, and the child is conceived by the Holy Spirit. So, Joseph decides to take Mary still to be his wife and name the child Jesus. Now look at this he was legally adopting Jesus into his family, as Jesus was not his biological child, and with that Jesus goes into the lineage of King David as prophesied. Just a side note. Family does not always have to be blood related. But here we see Joseph acknowledges Jesus as his legal son and fulfilling Isaiah 9:7.
Man, can you imagine this. You need to understand this Jewish Context of Adoption
In Jewish culture during New Testament times, formal adoption practices were not as common as in Roman culture. Instead: Inheritance and Lineage: Jewish society placed a strong emphasis on biological lineage and inheritance passing through family lines. Surrogate Care: When a child was orphaned, a close relative (such as an uncle or grandparent) typically took responsibility for the child, but this was not always a formal adoption.
So, this was a big deal. And when this was in motion, the plans for restoring us to the perfect Father was put into place. You see because of that Adoption into the family, it set in motion to the relationship we can have today with the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit that was not seen in those days.
Now because of this we this 2. Jesus came to bring us into God family.
John 1:12 – 13 Amp. But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name— [Is 56:5] 13who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].
Now in the book of John it shows us that if we receive Jesus and believe in Him, we are also adopted into the Kingdom, and we also become children of the perfect Father. That means we are in the family of Jesus. We are brothers and sisters. It means the good news is that Jesus came to make sure we are adopted into the Kingdom. But Satan somehow wants you to forget this part. That you are in a family that where the Father is all powerful, all knowing and Jesus who already defeated the devil. The devil wants you to focus on Christmas trees, and presents and skaap boud or turkey, on eating too much. On Christmas cake. And somehow, we fall in the trap of “It is decemba boss” mentality where we spent stuff that we do not need to impress people that does not matter. I mean how many of us still use or have all the Christmas presents we got last year. We as Christians want to go into debates on Jesus’ birth and celebration and all of that, but for me this is the loudest we can shout as Christians on the birth of Jesus.
So can we focus on the adoption of Jesus and see because of His birth, because of the life he lived, because of his death burial and resurrection we are adopted into a family that has the perfect Father. That has a plan in store for you, that wants a relationship with you. That want to remind you, no matter what you are loved, you are home, He is with you. So please may I ask that you remember you are adopted into His family. That when you go out and meet family and friends that you reminded the reason for this day is to remind you that if you believe in Jesus.
And because of Jesus you receive gifts that was not available before. These gifts are given to us because of Jesus earthly Adoption and what He did at the cross.
Let me show you some of these gifts. The firs one is this.
1.The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would come upon specific people for specific tasks (prophets, kings, judges) and sometimes temporarily. For example, the Spirit came upon Samson (Judges 14:6) and King Saul (1 Samuel 10:10) but could also depart (1 Samuel 16:14).
Because of our adoption, every believer now receives the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit as we see in Romans 8:15-16 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Benefit: The Holy Spirit guides, comforts, empowers, and transforms us from within, something Old Testament believers did not experience fully.
2.Access to the Father. Old Testament: Under the Old Covenant, access to God was restricted. The High Priest alone could enter the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the people (Leviticus 16). New Testament: Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, the veil separating the Holy of Holies was torn (Matthew 27:51), signifying that all believers now have direct access to God.
We read it in Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” What is the Benefit: As adopted children, we can approach God with confidence, calling Him “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6).
The 3rd Gift is this: Full Forgiveness and Justification. Old Testament: In the Old Covenant, animal sacrifices provided temporary atonement for sin (Leviticus 4:35). The guilt of sin was covered, but the sacrifices had to be repeated regularly.
New Testament: Through Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice, our sins are fully forgiven and we are declared righteous (justified). Hebrews 10:12
“But when this priest [Jesus] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.” Benefit: We have complete and eternal forgiveness. Our guilt is removed forever, and we are seen as righteous before God.
We also receive the gift of adoption as sons and daughters: Old Testament: The people of Israel were considered God’s chosen people and were in a covenantal relationship with Him (Exodus 19:5-6). New Testament: Through Christ, believers are personally and individually adopted into God’s family, not just as His people but as His children. Galatians 4:5-7 “To redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship... So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” Benefit: We have a personal, intimate relationship with God, calling Him “Father”, and knowing we are fully accepted.
We receive the inheritance of eternal life As adopted children of God, we are made co-heirs with Christ and have the guarantee of eternal life and the riches of God’s kingdom. Romans 8:17 “Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” Benefit: We have a sure and glorious inheritance awaiting us — eternal life in God’s presence.
Freedom from the Law Old Testament: The people were bound by the Mosaic Law, which acted as a guardian or tutor (Galatians 3:24). Failing to keep the law brought guilt and condemnation. It meant in laymen’s terms every time you sinned an animal had to be slaughtered, I do not think there is enough animals left in the world for this. But in the New Testament: Through Christ, we are no longer under the law but under grace. We are free from the law’s condemnation. Scripture Galatians 5:1“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” and the benefit is that We live in the freedom of God’s grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit rather than trying to earn righteousness by keeping the law.
We receive Salvation in the Old Testament: The plan of salvation through Christ was a mystery not fully revealed (1 Peter 1:10-12). The prophets longed to understand the full picture of God’s redemptive plan. New Testament: In Christ, God’s mystery of salvation and adoption is fully revealed. We now understand God’s purpose to bring both Jews and Gentiles into His family.
Ephesians 1:9-10 “He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ... to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” We have the privilege of understanding and experiencing God’s full plan of redemption.
WE have the Permanent Indwelling of the Holy Spirit Direct Access to God Full Forgiveness and Justification Personal Adoption as God’s Children Inheritance of Eternal Life Freedom from the Law Revelation of God’s Full Plan
Because of our adoption through Christ, we live in a reality of grace, freedom, intimacy with God, and the assurance of eternal life — blessings that Old Testament believers could only anticipate from afar. This Christmas, we celebrate not just the birth of Jesus but the incredible privileges His coming made possible for us.
Now we have these gifts, but we need to also do something with it. But we do this with these gifts. We take them but do not open them, I mean like did you do this with your gifts this year ? No you opened and used it. The socks, the dress the toys correct. If you are like my kids you are busy till who knows what time playing it.
We need to do something with these gifts.
We need to stop living as slaves, and as people in bondage, but as full-fledged family members of the one true king. We need to live as adopted Children of God. Ephesians 5:1-2 says this Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; 2and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
Have you ever heard someone say, “You’re just like your dad,” or “You’ve got your mom’s smile”? That’s what happens in families—we pick up habits, mannerisms, and ways of being. The same is true in God’s family. As His children, we’re called to reflect His character, especially His love.
Ephesians 5:1-2 says: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Walking in love means living in a way that mirrors how Jesus loved us. And how did He love us? Sacrificially. He put others first. He gave everything for us—even when we didn’t deserve it.
Now, I know this isn’t always easy. Some people are hard to love, right? Maybe you’ve got that one coworker who gets under your skin, or a family member who pushes all your buttons. Loving those people can feel impossible. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t ask us to love others in our own strength. He pours His love into us through the Holy Spirit so we can let it overflow to others.
So, what does walking in love look like?
• It’s forgiving when it’s hard. Think about how God forgives us, over and over again.
• It’s being kind, even when you don’t feel like it. That might mean biting your tongue or going out of your way to help someone who hasn’t earned it.
• It’s choosing grace. Remember, we didn’t deserve God’s love, but He gave it anyway.
When we walk in love, we’re showing the world what our Father is like. It’s like saying, “If you want to know what God’s love looks like, watch how I treat others.”
Being adopted into God’s family means we’re not just connected to Him; we’re also connected to each other. Look around—every believer you see is your brother or sister. That’s amazing, but let’s be honest: family life isn’t always easy.
Galatians 3:28 says “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This verse reminds us that in God’s family, the things that divide people in the world—like race, status, or gender—don’t separate us anymore. We’re united in Christ. But unity doesn’t mean we all think the same or agree on everything. It means we love, support, and stick with each other because we’re family.
Think about your earthly family. You don’t always get along with your siblings, right? But when things get tough, you stick together because you’re family. That’s what God calls us to do in His family.
So how do we live in unity?
• Celebrate diversity: God’s family is beautifully diverse. Different cultures, personalities, and perspectives can teach us so much if we’re willing to listen.
• Be a peacemaker: Unity doesn’t mean avoiding conflict. It means working through disagreements with grace and humility.
• Encourage each other: Life is hard, and we need each other. Send that text. Pray for your friend. Be there when someone needs help.
When we embrace unity, we show the world what God’s family looks like. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Unity is a witness to the world that we belong to Him.
As God’s adopted children, we have an incredible privilege: to reflect His love and embrace His family. Walking in love and living in unity aren’t just things we do—they’re how we show the world who our Father is. So this week, let’s ask ourselves:
• Am I reflecting God’s love in how I treat others?
• Am I embracing the family God has placed me in?
Let’s live like the beloved children we are—reflecting His love and sticking together as His family. That’s what it means to live as God’s adopted children.
In conclusion.
Joseph adoption of Jesus reminds us of God greater plan of adopting us into His family. Christmas is an invitation to join God family, and live with joy and confidence of being His children,
Altar call
Prayer
