In Matthew 1, Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus has just heard the news that his future wife, Mary, is pregnant. Joseph is deciding how he can exit the scene quietly when an angel appears to him with a message. In this passage we find out exactly why the love of God casts out all fear--he is with us.

Sometimes we fear that God is not listening, involved, or cares.

God has graciously given us a time to rest, based on the pattern of his own work in creation. We are to seek full enjoyment of God and His people on the Sabbath, not use it as a rod to beat people with restrictions.

The Gospel is good news! Right?? Jesus has come to bring us freedom and new life, and he is working for us right now. We no longer have to keep the Law to earn the favor of God. He has sent the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, comfort, and understanding. This is new stuff, and it's good stuff! Isn't it??

We cannot make the mistake of thinking the church is a collection of people who have been cleaned up and all think alike. The church is to be a place where grateful people come for healing and accept those who seek similar healing. We aren't as good as we think we are. That's where Jesus comes in.

The Gospel brings healing big time. Our sick souls are mended and our broken relationship with God is restored. The Gospel also promises to bring physical renewal to the world and our bodies when Christ returns. In a similar way, the church is to go forth and bring the healing of Jesus in both word and deed.

Jesus was making big waves by challenging the burden of the Law. His compassion and mercy trumped the traditions of the day, which failed to fulfill the heart of the Law. Jesus demonstrated a great truth about the character of God even as he created commotion.

This sermon was preached by Steve Hartland from Trinity Church (http://www.trinitymd.org) on Colossians 1.

Jesus was becoming well known in the region. The demons knew him and those who needed healing knew him. As Christians, we are attached to the most famous person who ever lived, who was also God incarnate. We should make much about him.

The calling of a Christian is one of invitation, not force. Jesus calls us to follow him toward work here on earth and eternal life to come. But He doesn't leave us to our own devices. He is the source of our strength and the perfect model for a life of holiness.