Christmas Emotion (Mt. 1:18-2:23)

Read Matthew 1:18-2:23.

Christmas was an emotional event!

• The insecurity of Joseph (1:18-25) -- insecure, though righteous
• The joy of the magi (2:1-12) -- joyful, though pagan
• The anger of King Herod (2:16) - angry because threatened and bypassed
• The sadness of Jewish mothers (2:16-18)
• The sensitivity of Joseph (2:19-23) -- sensitive and obedient in spite of fear

Perhaps you're struggling with an emotion that wasn't listed.  Maybe it's loneliness, frustration or a sense being overwhelmed. Are you willing to surrender that emotion to God? You will find Him to be Wonderful Counselor.

Matthew 1:18-2:23

Read Matthew 1:18-2:23.

What holds the unit together is the motif of dreams.  The five dreams are proof God was watching out for His investment (His Son, Jesus).  Threats were avoided because they were not in God's plan.

1.  What a comfort it is that God knows and controls every danger and detail of your life!

2.  Wait for revelation and guidance.  God knows how to get through to you.  Don't try to figure things out on your own.  Ask, then wait.

3.  It all starts with righteousness (Mt. 1:19).  Joseph wanted to do what was right, not what was convenient or expedient.  When God sees this intent, it pleases Him.  He always responds to the one who responds properly to Him.

4.  God's directing your affairs doesn't exempt you from a lot of movement, inconvenience, effort and self-denial.  It is always profitable to be obedient, but not always fun.

5.  Can God count on you to do the thing you don't want to do?  You don't have to be enthused in order to be obedient.