December 6, 2014 - Church at Worship

Lighting of the Advent Candle: Henry Family, Oien Family

Baptism: Marco Pasco-Rubio - Tyler Stewart
              Megan Philip - Doug Mace

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18–21 - Daniel Baldwin 

Sermon: "The Understudy: Joseph" Part 2: The Players - Randy Roberts

Sermon Notes:

Have you ever felt like an also ran? Do you recognize that expression? It comes from the world of horse racing. In a horse race, when the race had ended and the results were listed in the newspaper, the newspaper would apparently list the winner and those who finished in second and third place. Then, another list would appear in the fine print—that list was composed of those who also ran. In other words, those about whom nobody cared. They didn’t matter. They hadn’t won.

Have you ever felt like an also ran? I’ve often thought that that’s exactly what it must have felt like to be Joseph. He must have felt like—as one preacher put it—the forgotten man of Christmas. Just think about it—he’s there, he’s in the play, but he’s not the headliner. I wonder how many times he was asked, “Oh, are you this baby’s father?” How did he answer?!

Yet, I think there’s a special place in the heart of God for Joseph … and for every other also ran. In fact, God specializes in such people; he has a special place for them not only in his heart, but also in his plan. So if you’ve ever seen others shine brightly while your candle flickered, just know that God has a plan for you.

May you rest secure in his grace.

Randy Roberts
Senior Pastor