In church, this morning, this 4th Sunday of Advent,the sermon was on Joseph. The scripture was Isaiah 7:13, talking about a weary God and weary Man: 13 "And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also"? Some notes I took to share with you: The birth of Christ is when "God intervenes, saving us from the actions of our own behavior". "All are welcome at the manger". (No class distinction). "Joseph was not making a scene". (He has the right to be exhausted). "His hands speak", as he stands focused on Jesus. "He violates convention and stays faithful to Mary". there are "Unexpected moments".(Angelic visitations) "Dreams from god are reminders of how close he is to us". The gospel reading was from Romans 1:1-7
The Christmas Story From the Gospel of St. Luke ND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth Peace, Good Will toward Men