The Struggle of Christmas

Matthew 1:18-25
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor

Big Idea: The struggle of Christmas reminds us just how much we needed Jesus to come into our world.

I. A Story of Struggle (vv. 18-19)
Matthew 1:18-25
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

A. We often see Christmas as a time of peace and joy—and indeed it is. But in many ways Christmas is also a story of struggle. This in part goes back to the “why” of Christmas: That Jesus came into the world to bring forgiveness for sin and to reconcile us to our Heavenly Father (cf. 1 Tim. 1:15).
1 Timothy 1:15
15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

B. Consider the lives of those seen in this narrative:

1. Mary - A young women whose life is forever changed.

2. Joseph - This man of character whose plans are completely turned upside-down.

3. Jesus – God in the flesh, leaving glory for earth to make the ultimate sacrifice that saves us (cf. Jn. 1:9-14).
John 1:9-14
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

C. When we see Christmas in this light, we are reminded:

1. That when we struggle or feel out-of-sorts during the holidays, we are not alone in our experience.

2. Being in such a state acutely reminds us of our need for a Savior to come into our world.

II. A Source of Hope (vv. 20-25)

A. In the struggle, we also see that Christmas is a source of tremendous hope—God has reached into our world to give us a future filled with inexpressible joy and peace through Messiah Jesus! We are reminded that:

1. God’s love for us is great (cf. Jn. 3:16) – If Christmas shows us anything, it is that God will go to great lengths to show His love for us.
John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

2. Jesus identifies with us (cf. Heb. 2:14-18).
Hebrews 2:14-18
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

3. God is with us and for us (cf. Rom. 8:31-34) – Christmas reminds us that God did not stand far off in our time of need, but entered our struggle and rescued us.
Romans 8:31-34
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

B. In the struggle of Christmas let us draw closer to Christ and find joy and peace in the one who is the Prince of Peace.