Tis’ the Season . . .
Matthew 1:18-23
I. Christmas makes us believe in miracles. (v. 18)
A. What is a miracle?
1. Miracle = “a work of a supernatural origin and
character that could not be produced by natural
agents and means.”
2. Illus.: USA hockey beats Russia 1980? Olympics.
a. Al Michaels, “Do you believe in miracles?”
b. Was this a miracle? No.
c. The question still stands, though.
- Do you Believe in Miracles?
B. God’s work with Mary was a miracle. (v.18)
Joke: Child:"Mom who was Jesus’ mother? Was it
the Virgin Mary or King James Virgin?"
1. Luke 1:30-35.
C. How do we miss out on God’s miraculous work
around us?
1. We’re too busy to see them.
2. We explain them away.
3. We aren’t willing to risk ourselves for them.
-Book Title "If you want to walk on water, you
have first step out of the boat."
II. Christmas call us toward goodwill. (v. 19)
A. Sometimes, goodwill can be the hardest thing to
have this time of year.
1. “I like Santa more than Jesus. . . “
2. Lord’s Prayer: "Please forgive those who
Christmas against us."
3. Illus.: Movie, "Jingle All the Way": Turbo Man
doll.
B. Our goodwill is not the same as God’s goodwill.
(v. 19-21)
1. Joseph was acting well within what would be
expected of him.
- Joseph was dealing with “betrayal”
- “Mary was pledged” more powerful than
engagement today.
- Only ended by a divorce.
2. Joseph intended to show some mercy.
III. Christmas reminds us of our hope. (v.20-23)
A. The tragedy of the “holiday seasons” it has lost
all its hope.
1. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette story
2. Barna Report 44% say "getting together" for
the holidays is most important aspect of
Christmas. (not the birth of Christ)
B. The hope of Christmas is that God reached down to
man in order that man would be able to reach God.
(20-21)
C. This hope is anchored in a Promise. (23)
1. God with us.
2. Illus.: Man wanting to become a bird to
explain the dangers of winter: Go into the
barn.
