Unsung Heroes of Christmas Sermon Slides

1. Unsung Heroes of Christmas Matthew 1:18-21

2. Importance of Zecharias, Elizabeth, and Joseph in the Christmas story • How they have been overlooked? Introduction

3. Zacharias was a priest • 24 divisions of the priesthood • There were too many priests in Jerusalem • They drew lots for who would do the priestly duties • A similar announcement to Zacharias as given to Abraham • Who was John the Baptist? Forerunner of Jesus • Gabriel, the angel, was a part of this announcement • A sign to Mary about her child Zacharias and Elizabeth

4. Engaged to Mary • When he finds out about the pregnancy he could have divorced Mary • What would have happened to Mary> • Wedding • Kiddushin  2 male witnessed, a ring is given to the bride (engagement rings today) • Nisu’in  7 blessings are said over the bride • There can be a time between Kiddusin and Nisu’in, no intimate relations were allowed Joseph Continued next slide

5. An angel visits Joseph and tells him to save Mary & Jesus • An echo of Joseph of Genesis who saves his family • Joseph saves Mary and Jesus by taking them to Egypt • Why was Joseph selected for Mary? The story in the Gospel of Mary. Joseph continued

6. Mary’s song: Luke 1:46-56: Praises to God for giving Mary the difficult task of being the mother of God • Sometimes God asks us to do difficult tasks • Sometimes God asks us to do uncomfortable tasks • Sometimes God asks us to do things we don’t want to do • Will you be like Mary and accept the divine tasks? For the glory of God – For US Today