Matthew 1:18-24
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him and took unto him his wife:
25 and knew her not TILL she had brought forth her FIRSTBORN son: and he called his name JESUS.
Christmas FULFILLS God’s PROPHECY
Genesis 3:14a-15
14 And the Lord God said unto the serpent…15 and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed;
it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
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.
Micha 5:2
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah,
though thou be little among the thousands of Judah,
yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Psalm 22:1, 16-18
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
“Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.
All my bones are on display;
people stare and gloat over me.
They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.”
- Jesus cried out “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)
- They mocked and hurled insults shaking their heads at Jesus (Matthew 27:39, Mark 15:29)
- They shouted “He trusts in the Lord, let the Lord save him” (Matthew 27:41-43)
- They nailed him to a cross piercing his hand and feet (Matthew 27:35)
- They divided his clothes and cast lots for them (Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:34)
Christmas REVEALS God’s POWER
Luke 2:12
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Christmas UNVEILS God’s PURPOSE
Matthew 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Galatians 4:19
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,