One important thing to remember as we are reading through Matthew: read Matthew as Matthew intended it to be read, not comparing it to other gospels (especially Luke’s Christmas reading), but letting it speak as God intended. For example, it would be very tempting to ask the question, “Why doesn’t Matthew include any of the Christmas narrative that Luke includes?” A better question would be, “Why does Matthew focus on Joseph?”
A large part of the answer goes back to the genealogy we just read. The focus is on Jesus being the son of David. Even though Jesus was not Joseph’s biological son (as made evident in our reading for today), he was Joseph’s legal son. He still is the son of David as his status of Joseph’s adopted son. Matthew, as he often does in the first four chapters of his gospel, is pointing us back to show us that Jesus is the fulfillment of ALL the Old Testament.
Enjoy this Christmas narrative, read over it a few times, and consider the importance of the names of Jesus given here. This narrative will be the basis for the candlelight sermon here at Peace, “A Visit from Joseph.” I pray you will all have a very blessed Christmas!