The Promise, Matthew 1:18–25

When Joseph, a good and just man, learned that his betrothed, Mary, was with child he was unwilling to put her to shame and resolved to divorce her quietly. As he was considering these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him to “not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20). This son was to be named Jesus “for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). This son has come and this Christmas Eve we celebrate his offer of forgiveness to all and declare the one name under heaven by which men and women can be saved. While like Joseph this news can catch many off-guard, we pray that they will respond in obedient faith like him. THEME - GRACE1. A divine beginning (v. 18)2. A good man (v. 19)3. A call to respond (vs. 20-23)4. The choice is yours (vs. 24-25)Songs:Angels We Have Heard On High (Wickham) #7138825 by E S Barnes, J Chadwick, J Smith & P Wickham2019 Be Essential Songs Joy To The World #24016 by G F Handel & I WattsPublic DomainHark The Herald Angels Sing #27738 by C Wesley & F MendelssohnPublic DomainO Holy Night #32015 by A C Adam, J S Dwight, P CappeauPublic DomainWhat A Beautiful Name #7068424 by B Fielding & B Ligertwood2016 Hillsong Music PublishingSilent Night #2684749 by J F Young | J MohrPublic Domain