After tracing Jesus’ legal lineage back to David and Abraham, Matthew’s account of the Christmas story zooms in on Jesus’ earthly mother by birth and his earthly father by adoption (though he doesn’t use that term). But Joseph would not be Jesus’ earthly father by blood because “when his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18).” It required an angel of the Lord to convince him of the seemingly impossible.

“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. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:20–21).”

And how did Jesus save us from our sins? BY HIS LIFE.

By His life He brings us gladness,
Our Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend

Before Jesus laid down his life at the cross as our ransom, he lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father’s will to become our righteousness.

Jesus, our blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress

At the outset of His earthly ministry as He was baptized by John, Jesus said, “Thus it is fitting to fulfill all righteousness (John 3: 15).” Later He told His disciples “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work (John 4:34).” And that perfect life of honoring His Father in heaven began with honoring his father and mother on earth.

This Sunday, starting with Matthew 1:18-25 Erik Thoennes will help us reflect on Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, son of David, son of Abraham as Kenny Clark leads our sung worship. Would you pray for them as they prepare?

And please join us in the evening at 4pm or 7pm for our Grace Christmas Concert: Heaven to Earth. Childcare will be provided at 4pm and this is a wonderful event to invite guests.

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

Holy Forever (Christmas) by Chris Tomlin

And the angels cry, “Holy!”
All creation cries, “Holy!”
You are lifted high, holy
Holy forever