The Christmas story is filled with holy moments where ordinary people are invited into God’s extraordinary plan. But while Mary’s revelation came through a direct angelic encounter, Joseph’s holy moment came quietly—in a dream, in the middle of personal heartbreak, confusion, and shattered plans.

Joseph enters the Christmas story facing what feels like the worst news of his life. The woman he loves is pregnant, and he knows the child is not his. The law gave Joseph the right to expose her, shame her, and walk away. Instead, Joseph chooses compassion. Before God ever speaks, Joseph’s character is already showing.

But then God interrupts Joseph’s pain with a holy moment—a dream that calls him to do the hardest thing imaginable:
Lay down his hurt, surrender his plans, and obey God when the story makes no sense.

Joseph’s “yes” to God meant:

• Embracing a child that was not biologically his
• Choosing faith over reputation
• Bearing whispers, judgment, and misunderstanding
• Protecting Mary and Jesus at great personal cost
• Trusting God through dreams rather than explanations

Joseph reminds us that some of the holiest moments in our lives are not thrilling or emotional—they are costly, quiet “yeses” in the dark.

This Christmas, God may be inviting you into a similar moment.
A moment where obedience feels risky… where surrender feels unfair… where trust stretches you farther than you want to go.

Holy moments of surrender and obedience are where heaven meets earth—and where God births His greatest work through ordinary people.

Have you ever felt like you are in a sprint from Thanksgiving to Christmas? It’s easy for us to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, with its many distractions and festivities. Yet when we allow ourselves to slow down, we realize the holiest moments are the ones found in silence and communion with the Savior where we create the space for Him to reveal Himself to us. Throughout the story of the birth of Christ, the angel Gabriel brings divine revelation of world-changing news to several of God’s servants. In an instant, the ordinary is interrupted by the extraordinary as Gabriel announces the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah. These angelic encounters remind us that God’s plans are often revealed through surprising and unexpected means. The Creator of the universe longs to speak directly into the lives of ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary purposes. During Advent, we are invited to listen for God’s voice amid the busyness and noise of the season. Quiet moments of revelation are holy moments where heaven meets earth.

A rich life isn’t measured by what you have but by what you give. In the final week, we’ll examine the parable of the talents, learning that everything we have is entrusted to us by God for His purposes. This message will inspire the church to live with open hands, leaving a legacy of generosity that impacts lives for eternity. The service will end with a challenge to take the next step in faithful giving through Grace Fellowship Church.