Revd Darren McCallig’s sermon from the Fourth Sunday of Advent, reflecting on Matthew 1:18–25.
Reflecting on Joseph’s encounter with the angel, the sermon considers how easily Joseph is treated as a background figure in the Christmas story, despite the vital importance of his decision to trust God. Joseph’s yes made possible both the fulfilment of God’s promise that the Messiah would come from the house of David and the protection of Mary and the unborn Christ child.
The sermon explores the turmoil Joseph must have experienced as his plans for the future were suddenly overturned. Faced with confusion, fear and uncertainty, Joseph chose to trust both Mary and God, believing that God could still be present and at work even in what seemed like a mess. Drawing this into contemporary life, the sermon reflects on how Christians are called to trust that God’s love, hope and peace can still be born in unexpected places when we are willing to say yes.