The First Advent Dream
The First Christmas Dream: Joseph’s First Dream - Silver City Church
Sermon Overview
“The First Christmas Dream: Joseph’s First Dream,” from Matthew 1:18–25, launches a series on divine dreams in Matthew 1–2, stirring faith during Advent. Matthew, a former tax collector, begins with Jesus’ genealogy, signaling a new genesis fulfilling promises to Abraham, Moses, and David. The narrative unfolds a scandal: Mary’s pregnancy threatens Joseph’s righteous plan to divorce her quietly. In a dream, an angel reassures Joseph, revealing the child from the Holy Spirit as Jesus, “God saves,” fulfilling Isaiah 7:14’s Immanuel—“God with us.” Joseph obeys, naming Jesus. The sermon emphasizes God’s use of unlikely people, the power of Jesus’ name as conqueror of sin, and Immanuel’s presence, calling believers to embrace scandalous grace, obey in righteousness, and long for kingdom expansion.
Key Takeaways
Matthew’s genealogy signals a new creation, fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham, Moses, and David through Jesus. The sermon highlights God’s use of unlikely sinners in Jesus’ lineage, emphasizing grace for the unworthy.
Mary’s pregnancy poses a crisis for Joseph, who plans a quiet divorce. The sermon portrays this as grace breaking in scandalously, calling believers to embrace God’s unexpected plans.
The angel commands Joseph to name the child Jesus—“God saves”—fulfilling Isaiah 7:14’s Immanuel. The sermon explains Jesus as the new Joshua, conquering sin through the cross, restoring humanity to God.
Joseph’s obedience invites believers to believe scandalous grace, act righteously, and expand the kingdom. The sermon calls seekers to faith and mature Christians to disciple others, living “God with us” daily.
Weekly Devotional
Day 1: A New Genesis
Scripture: Matthew 1:1
Devotional Idea: See Jesus’ genealogy as signaling a new creation.
The sermon opens with Matthew’s genealogy, tracing Jesus’ lineage to fulfill God’s promises. Reflect on how God uses unlikely people in His plan. The sermon emphasizes grace for sinners. How does this encourage you? Ask God to use your story for His glory.
Day 2: The Scandal of Grace
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-19
Devotional Idea: Embrace God’s unexpected plans.
Mary’s pregnancy creates a scandal for Joseph. The sermon portrays this as grace breaking in. Reflect on a crisis where God’s plan seemed scandalous. The sermon calls us to trust Him. How can you surrender a current fear? Ask God for courage to obey.
Day 3: The Power of a Name
Scripture: Matthew 1:21
Devotional Idea: Understand Jesus’ name as “God saves.”
The angel commands Joseph to name the child Jesus, fulfilling prophecy. The sermon explains this as conquest over sin. Reflect on how Jesus saves you personally. The sermon urges naming Him as Lord. How can you proclaim His salvation today? Ask God for boldness.
Day 4: Immanuel Fulfilled
Scripture: Matthew 1:23
Devotional Idea: Live in the reality of “God with us.”
Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy as Immanuel. The sermon emphasizes God’s presence. Reflect on how “God with us” changes your daily life. The sermon calls for obedience like Joseph. How can you experience His presence today? Ask God to draw near.
Day 5: Live the Dream
Scripture: Matthew 1:24-25
Devotional Idea: Obey God’s unexpected call.
Joseph obeys the dream, taking Mary and naming Jesus. The sermon calls for righteous action. Reflect on a time God called you to unexpected obedience. The sermon urges kingdom expansion. How can you disciple someone this week? Ask God for faith to act boldly.
Reflection and Application Questions
- Reflection: How does the scandal of Mary’s pregnancy challenge our expectations of God’s plans?
- Reflection: Why is Joseph’s righteousness defined by obedience to God’s unexpected call?
- Reflection: How does Jesus’ name and Immanuel fulfill God’s promises throughout Scripture?
- Application: Embrace God’s unexpected means in your life; pray for faith to obey a difficult call this week.
- Application: Share the gospel with one person, pointing to Jesus as Savior and Immanuel.
Scripture References and Cross-References
- Main Scripture: Matthew 1:18–25
- Cross-References: Genesis 1:1 (new creation), Isaiah 7:14 (virgin birth), Genesis 3:15 (seed of the woman), Matthew 28:19–20 (Great Commission), Ephesians 5:14 (awake, O sleeper)
Westminster Confession Connection
Matthew 1:18–25’s account of the virgin birth aligns with the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 8, which teaches that the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, took upon Himself a human nature in the womb of the Virgin Mary, uniting two natures in one person forever (Section 2). The sermon’s emphasis on Joseph’s obedience to God’s unexpected plan reflects this divine mystery, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy and initiating salvation. The call to embrace scandalous grace echoes the Confession’s view of Christ’s incarnation as the means of reconciliation, urging believers to obey and proclaim Immanuel’s presence.
Westminster Confession Citation
Chapter 8, Section 2: The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance and equal with the Father, did, when the fullness of time was come, take upon Him man’s nature, with all the essential properties, and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin; being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance. So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion. Which person is very God, and very man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man. [Scripture proofs: John 1:1, 14; Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 2:14; Luke 1:35]
Catechism Connections
Shorter Catechism, Q. 22: How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man? Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to Himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin. [Scripture proofs: Hebrews 2:14, 16; Luke 1:27, 31, 35; Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 7:26]
Larger Catechism, Q. 37: How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man? Christ the Son of God became man, by taking to Himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance, and born of her, yet without sin. [Scripture proofs: Hebrews 2:14; Matthew 26:38; Luke 1:27, 31, 35; Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 7:26]
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Ramada Inn Conference Center