Silent Night

Gtcotr/122423

 

The story of Christmas is filled with people who talk and people who don’t. The angel of the Lord and the heavenly hosts, as well as the shepherds talked a lot, while Mary kept all the things they said and pondered them in her heart. There is another important person in the Christmas story who never says a word. Can you guess who it is? Let’s begin with:

 

Matthew 1  NKJV

18  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

19  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

20  But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21  "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."

22  So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:

23  "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

24  Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife,

25  and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

 

God chose Joseph, a common construction worker, to be the earthly image and play the role of father in the life of Jesus. I have long looked at Joseph as one of the unsung heroes of the Bible. So many times we overlook the critical part he played in the plan of God. Even though we never hear one word uttered by Joseph, I nonetheless believe he speaks volumes to each one of us.

 

 

And although Joseph’s words aren’t recorded anywhere in the Bible, his silence speaks loudly. A simple survey of the passage we’ve already read this morning reveals 4 evident reasons why Joseph was chosen and why I believe he was successful. As you listen this morning imagine how these truths can apply to your life. What does Joseph’s silence teach us?

 

What made Joseph successful? You know … just because Joseph didn’t say anything doesn’t mean he has nothing to say. Silent nights can be some of the most powerful and precious moments of our lives. Tell me, why do we even know his name?

 

1. Joseph was connected to someone who was connected to God … 

a. Matthew 1:18&19 tell us that Joseph was engaged to Mary and was her husband.

b. Let me put it this way: There were a lot of men in Nazareth in Mary’s day. And we don’t know the names of any of them except Joseph.

c. We don’t want to go thinking Joseph didn’t have a choice. Joseph made a choice. He could have said no!

d. Fate and destiny are two different things. Being chosen by God was not Joseph’s fate … it was his destiny … it was his opportunity … and it was his choice.

e. We cannot put our faith in fate. 

f. Joseph’s trust was in God.

g. Who we choose to include in our inner circle can help us or hurt us.

h. Our success in life may depend on others more than we realize.

2. Joseph was a humble man

a. Matthew 1:19 says that Joseph did not react selfishly when he found out about Mary’s pregnancy but considered what he should do based on how his actions would affect her.

b. Joseph did not react out of haste or hurt; he was not rash, nor did he take advantage of the situation to vindicate himself.

c. Joseph didn’t let his pride get the best of him … he humbled himself and gave his best to God and to Mary. 

3. Joseph embraced the supernatural

a. Matthew 1:20-23 reveal how Joseph believed in and accepted both the messenger and the message from heaven.

b. Joseph could have dismissed the dream, but he believed in spiritual things. 

c. One Word from God changes everything … at least it does for those who will receive it …

d. Some things can only be explained in light of the supernatural plan of God.

e. In his critical moment Joseph embraced the Word of the Lord as divine direction for his life.

f. When God could do no better, God sent His Word … to Mary; to Joseph; and to the world!

4. Joseph was unafraid to go against popular opinion

a. Matthew 1:24&25 show us that Joseph obeyed God instead of just going with the flow or pleasing the crowd.

b. Proverbs 29:25 says the fear of others will bring a snare. But whoever puts their trust in the LORD will be safe.

c. Reckon what all those “wagging tongues” are going to say come judgment day? Think they’ll still be making fun of Joe?

d. Actions most often speak louder than words and Joseph’s silence still speaks today … what do his choices say to you? 

 

When God chooses you for your next task realize it may not be all about you so:

• Stay humble.

• Embrace the supernatural Word of the Lord.

• Don’t be afraid to swim against the tide. 

• Remember – Connect with people who are connected with Jesus.

 

I love you … Merry Christmas! Even if it’s a Silent Night.