This time of Christmas season, I got a chance to deliver a sermon on 15 December 2024, as it was youth day (St. Joseph’s day). I had been preparing the sermon for days by writing it down on my book and was ruminating the points in my head. Finally, I prepared the final draft in doc format and converted it into pdf by 5 am, on 15 Dec. Then I attended the english service, which is conducted on every third sunday of every month. I left early morning and I gave the sermon on Sunday around 11 am, mostly I was half asleep that day. Yet, by God’s grace I did a good job. Although I might have mispronounced few words and flow of the sermon could have been better but by God’s grace and St. Joseph’s intercession, the congregation understood and appreciated my sermon. Praise to Jesus Christ my savior, I received appreciation in such manner – It was well articulated and witty. Allow me to share my sermon with you, let’s proceed…The passage is from Matthew 1:18-25 fulfilling prophesy from Isaiah 7:14 and many other old testament passage. Also, Lord Christ Jesus had fulfilled 300 prophesies from about the Messiah on this earth .
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Matthew 1:18-25
THE SERMON-ST. JOSEPH
GLORY BE TO TRIUNE GOD! (Trieka Daivathinu mahatam indarikette!)
Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Now and at all times, forever. Amen.
What a beautiful day it is today, don’t you agree? As we approach Christmas, a season filled with joy and festivities, let us embrace the warmth of this special time together by reflecting on today’s passage from Matthew 1:18-25—the revelation to Saint Joseph, a remarkable story of a man with righteousness and faithfulness.
I want to divide this sermon into three parts: 1. The Setup 2. The Passage 3. The Christian View.
The Setup
Our church fathers have chosen this passage from Matthew for this Sunday. Let’s take a moment to reflect on who Matthew is and the significance of his Gospel. St. Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before becoming one of Jesus’ apostles. In first-century Judea, tax collectors were often seen as educated individuals responsible for managing financial records and interacting with Roman authorities. This role required a certain level of literacy and numeracy skills.
Matthew’s Gospel is the first book of the New Testament and one of the three Synoptic Gospels. It emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah and King of the Jews, focusing on His fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies while presenting a structured narrative that connects Jesus with Jewish traditions—making it particularly appealing to a Jewish audience.
However, being a Jew and a tax collector in first-century Judea meant facing significant social stigma. Tax collectors were often despised for several reasons:
1. Collaboration with the Romans: Many Jews viewed them as traitors for working with their oppressors.
2. Exploitation and Corruption: Tax collectors often collected more than what was owed, pocketing the excess and fuelling resentment among the people.
3. Social and Spiritual Isolation: Seen as morally compromised, tax collectors were distanced from God’s favour and ostracized from communal worship.
Just as an artist leaves their unique mark through their work, each Gospel writer tried to spread the good news in their own distinct style. For example, Luke, a physician, uniquely records Jesus’ sweating drops of blood during His intense prayer in garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). This detail is not mentioned in any other gospel but is noted by a physician.
The sweating of blood is due to the extreme stress and anguish. Our Lord Christ experienced a rare human condition called hematidrosis which occurs under severe emotional distress. This highlights Christ’s profound human nature which our faith teaches us.
John’s Gospel presents a mystical understanding of Jesus’ divine identity. John smartly identifies himself in his gospel as “The disciple whom Jesus loved,” highlighting his unique relationship with Christ. Matthew’s Gospel stands out for its structured narrative and rich theological themes centered on fulfilment and kingship. It helps us understand Jesus’ identity while exploring what it means to live under His reign as King—the prophesied Messiah.
Saint Joseph holds a unique place in Christian tradition as the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus. His character is profoundly illustrated in Matthew 1:18-25, where he is described as “a righteous man.” This designation reflects his deep commitment to God’s law and compassionate nature.
Before I enter into the next segment called the passage. I want to share a testimony of a nun, an urban legend. The story of Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s – “Miracle Staircase”.
In a small town, there was a humble nun who dedicated her life to prayer and service. One day, she felt a deep calling to improve the convent, particularly the staircase that had become worn and unstable over the years. The nun prayed intercessory prayers to saint Joseph, earnestly asking for guidance and help to build strong stairs that would last.
Unexpectedly, a skilled carpenter arrived at the convent one morning on a donkey. He offered his services without asking for payment or recognition. The nun gratefully accepted his help, and together they worked diligently to construct a new staircase. The carpenter poured his heart into the project, crafting each step with care and precision.
As days turned into weeks, the spiral stairs were completed—strong, sturdy, and beautifully made. The nun was overjoyed and thanked the carpenter profusely. However, when she inquired about his name, he simply smiled and disappeared without revealing his identity. Years passed, and the staircase remained as solid as the day it was built. Many visitors admired its craftsmanship but were unaware of who had created it. The nun often reflected on that mysterious carpenter who had answered her prayers so selflessly. The story of the nun and the carpenter became a cherished tale in the convent, symbolizing faith, humility, and the idea that sometimes help comes from unexpected places. It also served as a reminder that true acts of kindness often go unnoticed but leave a lasting impact on those they touch. To this day, no one knows who built those stairs, but their strength continues to support all who walk upon them—much like the quiet strength of faith that supports us in our lives.
As Romans 11:33 says: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” This verse emphasizes the complexity and mystery of God’s plans. St. Joesph is considered the patron saint of workers, fathers, and the universal Church. His example inspires many to seek virtue in their work and family life.
The Passage
Saint Joseph was betrothed to mother Mary. Later, saint Joseph discovered Mary’s pregnancy, he faced a moral dilemma.
Knowing that the child was not his, he initially planned to divorce her quietly to spare her public disgrace—demonstrating his love and respect for Mary.
A perfect gentleman, the epitome of a nice guy, right? He loved and respected Mother Mary. He didn’t disdain or dishonor Mother Mary in public. Let’s check what love is from the bible.
Let’s see on what love truly means according to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This beautiful passage offers wisdom for any married couple. What a beautiful story filled with wisdom about love for married couples. The Holy Bible is a compilation of books authored by various writers over an extended period and across three different continents. It offers more reliable guidance than any other advice from other non-reliable self-help books.
(A JOKE ABOUT COUPLE…)
A man came home late from work one evening and got into a heated argument with his wife. In frustration, he declared, “I won’t step out of this room until you apologize!” Determined to make a point, he decided to starve himself.
One day passes…Second day passes… on the third day his wife finally felt sorry and apologized. Relieved but very hungry, he emerged from the room. Two of them shared a happy meal and wife never argued about his late arrivals. Once his neighbor had been going through something similar!
Remembering his own experience, the man suggested, “Just stay in your room until she apologizes!” The neighbour took the advice but, three days he starved and as on the fourth day he realised his wife isn’t going to back down, out of hunger, he stormed out of his room and apologized to his wife.
His neighbour the man asked, “How did you manage to do this, to starve this long?” The neighbour replied, “Well I forgot to mention that every night I snuck out to the kitchen!”
Details matter, devil lies in details. We are lucky to have a detailed guide and grace of our God Jesus Christ. Joseph’s righteousness shines through his response to divine intervention. After contemplating his options, an angel appeared to him in a dream, revealing that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20-21). Joseph’s immediate acceptance showcases his profound faith and obedience; upon waking, he acted according to God’s command without hesitation.
The Christian View to the passage
Joseph’s lineage back to Abraham, emphasizing his royal heritage through David. Joseph belonged to the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This tribe is historically significant as it was prophesied that the Messiah would come from Judah (Genesis 49:10). The tribe of Judah was known for its leadership and strength among the Israelites, contributing to its prominence in biblical history. Joseph’s social status can be inferred from his occupation and role within his community. He is identified as a carpenter (or tekton in Greek), which implies that he was an artisan skilled in working with wood, stone, or metal. This profession suggests that he was a working-class individual, likely earning a modest living to support his family. Despite his humble profession, being from the House of David would have conferred a certain level of respect and recognition within Jewish society. His marriage to Mary and role as the guardian of Jesus placed him in a unique position, both socially and spiritually.
His dedication is evident in his responses to divine messages. Initially troubled by Mary’s pregnancy, he planned to act discreetly out of compassion (Matthew 1:19). However, upon receiving confirmation from the angel about Mary’s divine conception, he accepted her and took on the responsibility of raising Jesus.
In reflecting on Saint Joseph’s life, we are reminded that faithfulness with kindness can manifest in everyday actions. Whether through acts of kindness, making sacrifices for loved ones, or obeying God’s call in our lives, we can emulate Joseph’s example. Through Joseph’s eyes, we witness the profound moment of Jesus’ birth amidst unexpected challenges. His unwavering obedience reminds us that God often works through unforeseen circumstances, inviting us to trust in His greater purpose.
Saint Joseph exemplifies righteousness and humility before God—a model for us all. If we consider other biblical figures like Zachariah, the husband of Elizabeth, a Levite, expressed doubt. Also, Abraham having fathered a child through his wife’s maid—who expressed doubt. Here is a testament of Saint Joseph’s submission to God’s will stands out as an act of true faithfulness, without straying from God’s path.
As Proverbs 3:6 states: “Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Even though the road isn’t smooth, our faith can enrich our souls as the bible say – God’s grace is sufficient for us. It is found in 2 Corinthians 12:9. The full verse states: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
This verse emphasizes the sufficiency of God’s grace in our lives, particularly during times of struggle or weakness, reminding us to rely on His strength and provision.
As we reflect on the qualities of Saint Joseph, particularly as illustrated in Matthew 1:18-25, we especially can learn valuable lessons that are especially relevant for the youth today. Saint Joseph embodies righteousness, compassion, and unwavering obedience to God’s will. His willingness to accept the divine plan without hesitation teaches us the importance of faith and trust in God, even when faced with uncertainty.
In a world filled with distractions and pressures, young people can draw inspiration from Joseph’s humility and dedication. By embracing patience, kindness, and selflessness—qualities that Joseph exemplified—we can cultivate stronger relationships and a deeper connection with God.
As we are preparing ourselves for this Christmas season, may we all strive to reflect the virtues of Saint Joseph in our lives. Let us trust in God’s plan for us and approach each day with a heart open to His guidance. Wishing you all a blessed Christmas in advance filled with joy, love, and the spirit of giving!
In conclusion, I’d like to share a quote from C.S. Lewis: “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” This profound truth encapsulates our faith journey during this Christmas season.
THANKYOU!
~ J George Thomas aka Aebin Thomas
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