“Joseph’s Story” (The Wonder of It All, Part One) – 12/01/24 Service

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent and Christmas is right around the corner. For some, the days fly as there is so much to do to be ready for the day. For some, the days crawl as we await all the fun and excitement. The good news is we have the days of Advent to prepare our hearts for the coming of the King. During Advent, which gets its meaning from the Latin word for “coming,” we remember the first Christmas when Jesus was born and anticipate the Christ that will return in final victory. During these days, which start four Sunday’s ahead of Christmas, we prepare, we decorate, shop, cook, and wrap. Yet, we also must take the time to pray and worship as we seek the hope, peace, love and joy of Jesus in our lives.

In Sunday’s sermon, I will reflect on the significance of the nativity scene emphasizing the importance of each character, particularly Joseph, the humble and silent protector of Jesus. The sermon highlights that Joseph’s lack of spoken words in the Bible does not diminish his role; instead, it showcases his strength, compassion, and ability to step back and let God lead. I will share some of my personal anecdotes about my father’s humble trade and character, mirroring the qualities exhibited by Joseph. The sermon culminates in the idea that life itself is an Advent journey, where recognizing the Lord's presence can transform our experiences into sacred moments.

Serving with joy,

Stephen

December 1, 2024

The Wonder of It All