Rochester, MN UCC - "God Is With Us" - Matthew 1:18-25

In every Christmas Pageant the action revolves around Mary. She’s the starring role, the one that will bear the Christ child. Yet in Matthew’s Gospel the Christmas story is told from the perspective of Joseph. Joseph was going about his life with his own plans when the Angel broke the news that Mary was pregnant with the Savior by way of the Holy Spirit. He had the same concerns with status and reputation that the rest of us do. And he was faced with a dilemma: would he choose his own cause, his own reputation? Or would he trust the angel and risk everything for a chance at a supporting role in God’s plan for salvation?

 By centering Joseph’s story, Matthew gives us all a chance to ask the same question of ourselves. Are we ready to accept a supporting role in the salvation that God is bringing to the world? Are we willing to step back from our starring role in our own life; willing to make our lives more about what God is doing than about what we are doing?

 This Sunday we’ll light the Advent candle for love. We’ll watch our children’s Christmas Pageant. And we’ll celebrate communion with God in Jesus Christ. Bring your presence, your prayers, your hope, and your love, and give thanks that you too have been offered a supporting role in the coming of God’s kingdom. 

 Rev. Andrew Greenhaw