"I Have A Dream" (1).

In the first two chapters of Matthew's Gospel, there are three angelic messages addressed to Joseph. They are messages of invitation (1:20-21), protection (2:13) and victory (2:20). What is God saying to us from these three angelic messages ? - He speaks to us concerning Jesus. He invites us to take Him as our Saviour. He calls us to rise to the challenge of living the life of victory. The second and third angelic messages begin with the word, "Rise." In the story of Joseph, the word "rise" follows on from the word "dream". Many people look at the Christmas story with disdain. They despise all this talk of angels. They dismiss it as something from long ago, something which has no relevance for today's world. They would read the story of Joseph and say, "What's all this talk about dreams? You don't expect me to take this seriously." Such people refuse to believe the Christmas story. it is too other-worldly for them. They would write off Joseph as a dreamer, living in a dreamland. Joseph had some fascinating dreams, but he did not live in a dreamland. His dreams changed the way he lived his life in the real world. His dreams had a life-changing effect.