The Origin of the King (Matthew 1:18-25)

Ready or not, it’s election season. Now through next November, candidates will propose their solutions to our nation’s problems. It’s fitting, then, that we find ourselves in Matthew 1, where Jesus is declared to be the true solution to all of the world’s problems. This Sunday we’ll see how the origin of Jesus—including his bizarre and controversial virgin birth—presents him as the only hope for humanity, including you and me.

A Very Unexpected Cost (Matthew 1:18-25)

Joseph had a very unexpected Christmas. Usually, we focus on Mary's faith and courage during Advent -- and rightfully so -- but Matthew zooms in on Jesus' (legal) father. It is through Joseph's eyes that we see that the salvation that will come to the world will not come cheap. Following in the steps of Jesus is no easy thing, but that's what we're all called to as Christians today.