My fourth and last sermon for the Christmas Grace series – The Reason for Christmas is The Revelation
of Jesus! Below is the study outline starting with a prophecy.
A voice of one
calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a
highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And
the glory of the Lord will
be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of
the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:3-5
What would you expect God to do
after reading this verse?
The revelation of Jesus (as Messiah) Matthew 1:18-25
Discuss Joseph’s
reactions in the following verses;
1. Joseph’s distress (Matthew 1:18) He is heartbroken, assuming his fiancé has
been unfaithful.
2. Joseph’s decision (Matthew 1:19) Not wanting to disgrace Mary, he determines
to break their engagement secretly.
3. Joseph’s dream (Matthew 1:20-25) He
receives a message in a dream concerning:
- The purity of Mary (1:20) Joseph is
reassured that Mary’s pregnancy is caused by the Holy Spirit.
- The person within Mary (1:21) The
Angel of the Lord tells him that mary will bare a son and that he shall be
named Jesus.
- The prophecy about Mary (1:22-23) This
son; conceived without the aid of a human father, is the fulfillment of the
prophecy in Isaiah 7:14. Therefore the Lord himself will give you
a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel
4. Joseph’s discernment (1:24-25) Joseph
takes Mary to be his wife.
How should we
show discernment for what God has revealed?
I want you to know, brothers and sisters that the
gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by
revelation from Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12
What do you think God
expects us to do after reading these verses?
We
are to receive this “revelation” and share the reasons for Christmas with the
world around us.
What are some ways you
can share the reasons for Christmas this week?
