Matthew 1: 18-25 Joseph's Dream

Dream (noun) 1. sequence of mental images during sleep

a sequence of images that appear involuntarily to the mind of somebody who is sleeping, often a mixture of real and imaginary characters, places, and events 

2. something hoped for something that somebody hopes, longs, or is ambitious for, usually something difficult to attain or far removed from present circumstances

This passage begins: "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:" Joseph’s dream involved a visit from an angel—definitely an image beyond what he had ever seen, but this dream was real, not imaginary. The purpose was to tell Joseph that the child Mary was carrying was truly conceived in her from the Holy Spirit—without a doubt, something difficult to attain and far removed from any circumstances he had ever anticipated; but not impossible, because God was involved. This was something hoped for and waited upon by God’s people, but Mary and Joseph never imagined they would be the vehicles.

 Matthew 1: 21-23 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet; “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” which means, “God with us.” 

As the Christmas season moves toward its highlight, we must wholeheartedly reflect on what that means. A beautiful, innocent baby was born. Precious in the sight of his parents, and many others who understood what this event would mean, but think of it this way: The moment baby Jesus was birthed was the instant it could be said……………”God just arrived.”

How differently would we behave if we were told that, and He was truly among us? Present at our tables and in our workplace; within our homes and churches, interacting with us, watching over our relationships, and observing our treatment of each other. That is what Immanuel means, “God with us” but we often don’t think of it that way. Perhaps we should. Fortunately God is always willing to give us another chance to start over. On Christmas morning, just think, “God will arrive!”

Read Matthew 1: 18-25 here

Listen to Matthew 1: 18-25 here