God With Us, Even After Christmas
This sermon focuses on the difficult passage from Matthew 2:13-23, which tells the story of the Holy Family's flight to Egypt to escape King Herod's massacre of innocent children. Pastor Haven acknowledges this is a challenging text that follows immediately after the joy of Christmas, showing how violence and evil forces tried to extinguish the light of Christ from the very beginning. The sermon emphasizes that while the world still contains 'Herods' today who harm the innocent through violence, war, and oppression, God's story doesn't end with tragedy. Joseph's faithful obedience to God's warning saved Jesus, allowing Him to grow up and fulfill His mission of love, justice, and mercy. The pastor reminds us that we're only in chapter 2 of the story - God's love continues, Christ has defeated death, and the promise remains that Christ will come again in final victory.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
How does it feel to read such a difficult passage right after celebrating the joy of Christmas? Why do you think Matthew included this story in his Gospel?
Joseph is often overlooked in Christmas stories, but his obedience was crucial to Jesus' survival. What can we learn from Joseph's example of faithful response to God's calling?
The sermon asks 'How is God calling you to protect the vulnerable in our communities?' What are some practical ways we can respond to this calling as individuals and as a church?
LIFE APPLICATION
This week, practice listening for God's voice in your daily life, whether through prayer, Scripture, circumstances, or other people. Like Joseph, be prepared to respond with faithful action when God calls you to step out in faith or protect those who are vulnerable around you. Consider one specific way you can advocate for or help someone who is marginalized or in need in your community.
