A Time to Hope Matthew 1:18-25 Every year during this season, we hear much about the various characters of Christmas. People like Mary, the shepherds, the wise men (Who didn’t even show up until a couple of years later! Go figure!), even the sheep, donkeys and turtle doves are portrayed, and the event is reenacted year after year. (Ill. I won’t even mention all the modern additions we have made to the Christmas story, some of whom are more real to our children that Jesus Himself!) One fellow, namely Joseph, is treated merely as an extra. He shows up in the Christmas program, but he brings no gifts, he sings no songs, and he makes no speeches. He just stands there in his sandals and his robes, watching the scene unfold around him. Tonight, I want to set the record straight! As I read the Christmas story, I am convinced that Joseph possessed certain elements in his life that make him stand out. We see the pronouncement of Hope. The Pondering of Joseph. The provision of God. When circumstances come into our lives that are out of our control but not out of Gods will, we should wait on the Lord to reveal His Plan in His Time.Let’s take these lessons from the life of Joseph and make sure the same characteristics are found in us, not just at Christmas, but every day of the year!