An Unbelievable Plan (Matthew 1:18-25) by Rev. Dan McDowell December 23, 2018

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "An Unbelievable Plan (Matthew 1:18-25) by Rev. Dan McDowell December 23, 2018"

Transcription

1 1 An Unbelievable Plan (Matthew 1:18-25) by Rev. Dan McDowell December 23, This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means God with us ). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But

2 2 he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. The holidays simply did not go as I had planned. We had dreamed of a great family gathering. Only one year earlier we had announced our engagement. Mary s mother was so excited. She couldn t wait to tell all her friends. Sure, I was only a carpenter. But that didn t matter. She knew I LOVED Mary and I would provide a good home for her. Mary s dad, the true business man, began the wedding plans for the next year. His prayers had been answered. He knew that I feared Jehovah and would bring up his grandchildren in the ways of our God. But that was a year earlier. This holiday I should have been the bridegroom setting out to take my bride to the happiest banquet of our lives - our wedding banquet. Instead we were trudging towards Bethlehem, tired, dust and sore -- and Mary was due to give birth to her child at any moment! We had waited in Nazareth as long as we dared - hoping Mary would give birth there. But the baby waited. And the government decree wouldn t.

3 Once again the Roman government had forced its hand upon our lives. How we longed to be free: Free to be our own people. Free to be God s people. We looked for that day when God s Messiah would shatter the yoke of bondage and set us free. Is it possible that the Messiah was about to be born? Is it true that the child Mary is carrying is truly our Savior? 3 Are the Romans pushing us to Bethlehem so that God s Son would be born in King David s town? Once in a while Mary and I would talk about these things. But we had many more questions than answers. I simply knew that I loved Mary and that somehow God was controlling our lives. I adored Mary for her simple faith. The past nine months had not been easy! I was shocked into numbness when Mary told me she was pregnant!

4 I seemed riveted to the spot as my mind raced round and round in maddening circles. How could you do this to me Mary?! Don t you know I love you? Who is the man? I know he raped you. I ll kill him! What will my friends say? They knew I was supposed to be getting married. How can you look so calm? and peaceful? Even innocent? She dared to say that this was God s will!?! I had long ago learned not to make rash decisions. Quietly I told Mary that I needed time to be alone. What should I do? It certainly wasn t right to go ahead with the wedding - with Mary pregnant with another man s child. 4

5 5 But I love her so much! How could she do this to me? All our dreams - shattered. What would God want me to do? That was the hard question. It should have been simple. The Scriptures say I could even have Mary put to death by stoning!! Not my Mary. How could she say that this was God s will? Could it be? Could this be some outrageous miracle? No way. Mary was simply out of her mind. Finally I had decided: the proper thing to do was to break the engagement. There simply was no other way. And I would pay for Mary to go away somewhere until the baby was born. That would spare her some embarrassment. Where could she go? Perhaps her cousin Elizabeth would welcome her.

6 Elizabeth and Zechariah. Now that s a story in itself. They had been yearning for a baby for as long as I knew them. 6 Finally, they had accepted the fact that they were too old and God was denying their prayers a child, then suddenly Elizabeth became pregnant! And Zechariah - strange - Something happened when it was his turn to serve as priest in the temple. When he came out, he couldn t speak. Everyone believed he had seen a vision. This type of thing hadn t happened in years - actually several centuries! Is it possible, I wondered, is God breaking His silence? The decision had not been an easy one. After days of arguing with myself I finally decided. I could at long last sleep. I would tell Mary in the morning. I knew she would accept my decision. But that night - the strangest, most wonderful thing happened. I don t know how to explain it. I won t blame you if you do not believe me. I sometimes find it hard to believe myself But in some strange way it seems more real than talking to you today. An angel spoke to me! I still shake when I think of it.

7 7 To a priest, yes. But I am just a poor struggling carpenter; an average commoner you might say. Yet I tell you, God spoke to me. I ll never forget his words: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. I could hardly wait until morning to tell Mary. Now I knew too that the baby growing in her was God s gift to His people. Our emotions are hard to describe: Awe, fear, wonder, joy, bewilderment, humility But now we had each other. We planned a quick, simple wedding. We would still have to tell our parents. That was just the beginning of our hard, difficult journey. Let me tell you - living in the center of God s will is NOT easy. Strangely serene - yes - but not easy.

8 8 Our parents were devastated. My parents couldn t believe I was still going to marry Mary when she was pregnant! I think Mary s dad wanted to kill me. Her parents were furious at us. They couldn t decide whether they wanted me to marry their daughter OR to disappear from their lives altogether. It seemed obvious, to them, that I had violated their daughter. But time marched on. We did get married. Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth for a couple of months. But that didn t stop people from being cruel. I never realized how heartless people could be - friends, neighbors, even church people! I lost some of my customers. Even when someone did come into my shop to pick up a new table or a mended chair, conversation was curt and awkward. When we went to the synagogue to worship, everyone made room for us - heads turned our way, - knowing looks at Mary s growing abdomen and back to me.

9 I guess what hurt the most was the children. No longer were the children allowed near us. We were sinners you know. I was forced to give up my class of boys and no longer allowed to read the Torah. And yet, somehow, Mary and I were still happy. We knew something that others simply could not understand. God was working in our lives. He was using us. We were learning that nothing, nothing, matters more. Business, family, friends - all these are less important than being in God s will. But God s will is often hard to fathom. Why would God want Mary to travel to Bethlehem? Could he not have made Caesar s decree a little later so that she did not have to travel, wondering if she would give birth at the side of the path? Wouldn t the travel place the baby s health in danger? 9

10 Wouldn t it have been better to have Mary s mother help her with the delivery? 10 No, this holiday did not go according to my plans. Ostracized from friends, estranged at church, and now separated by miles from our families, - we would be alone among strangers as Mary gave birth to God s Son. That night we learned that to be alone with God is far greater than anything else in the whole world. The cattle shed was made comfortable as possible. We were soon able to get used to the smells and sounds in the barn. At the first sound of the baby s cry, Mary s pain seemed forgotten. Together we praised God as we realized His presence in that stable. Silently we witnessed as God sent His friends to see the birth of His Son. SHEPHERDS, of all people! I smiled inwardly. These people were not accepted in the synagogue - unclean they said. Here they were kneeling as the first visitors to see God s Son. Later MAGI - astrologers - scientists - Noble men from another country.

11 11 Again I smiled. Not even Jews! - yet they were brought by God to worship Him - a king they said. As I looked at their extravagant gifts I wondered how we would ever use them? My plans for Christmas? They vanish into insignificance in comparison to God s plans. I encourage all of you here today to place your lives at the center of God s will so that Jesus is at the center of your Christmas, and my wish for you may come true. May you know the peace of Christ this Christmas - SHALOM.

The Journey to Bethlehem: Joseph December 4, 2016

The Journey to Bethlehem: Joseph December 4, 2016 The Journey to Bethlehem: Joseph December 4, 2016 Matthew 1: 18-24 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together,

More information

Je s u s as a Yo u n g Boy

Je s u s as a Yo u n g Boy Prayer Dear God, Thank you that everyone is important to you, even little children. Help me to remember this whenever I feel small and unimportant. In Jesus name, Amen. 17 Then the shepherds told everyone

More information

Here are the songs we sang this Sunday. This shows the song name, the artist who performed the song, and the cd that contains the song.

Here are the songs we sang this Sunday. This shows the song name, the artist who performed the song, and the cd that contains the song. Here are the songs we sang this Sunday. This shows the song name, the artist who performed the song, and the cd that contains the song. Joy to the World O Praise Him (All This For a King) David Crowder

More information

Life of Christ. Beginnings to Baptism. NT111 LESSON 02 of 07. An Angel Brings Good News

Life of Christ. Beginnings to Baptism. NT111 LESSON 02 of 07. An Angel Brings Good News Life of Christ NT111 LESSON 02 of 07 An Angel Brings Good News Christian University This course was developed by Christian University & Our Daily Bread Ministries. But the angel said to him, Do not be

More information

A YOUNG MAN S PREDICAMENT Matthew 1:18-25

A YOUNG MAN S PREDICAMENT Matthew 1:18-25 A YOUNG MAN S PREDICAMENT Matthew 1:18-25 Matthew 1:18-25 (NKJV) 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found

More information

Luke 2:1-7. The birth of Jesus

Luke 2:1-7. The birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-7 The birth of Jesus In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor

More information

Sermon Outlines for Busy Pastors: Christmas Sermons 1. Joseph Monologue

Sermon Outlines for Busy Pastors: Christmas Sermons 1. Joseph Monologue Sermon Outlines for Busy Pastors: Christmas Sermons 1 Joseph Monologue Hello, I m Yeosaif. You probably know me better by my English name, Joseph. I ve got a fascinating story to tell you. It s about what

More information

The story of Christmas occurred over 2000 years ago. It is the story of God sending his

The story of Christmas occurred over 2000 years ago. It is the story of God sending his The story of Christmas occurred over 2000 years ago. It is the story of God sending his Son Jesus Christ to earth. Jesus was the Son of God so he was greater than a king, yet,he was born in a very lowly

More information

The Road to Bethlehem

The Road to Bethlehem The Road to Bethlehem Reflections on the Nativity A SANCTUARY DRAMA BY ROBERT BLASKEY Performance Rights To copy this text is an infringement of the federal copyright law as is to perform this play without

More information

Journey to Bethlehem Labyrinth

Journey to Bethlehem Labyrinth Journey to Bethlehem Labyrinth This shows positions for 25 stops for Dec 1 st to 25 th. For starting on Advent Sunday, follow the table below. If starting on Advent Sunday, adjust the number of stops to

More information

T H E G R E A T E S T G I F T ( N I V T R A N S L A T I O N )

T H E G R E A T E S T G I F T ( N I V T R A N S L A T I O N ) C H R I S T M A S P A G E A N T S C R I P T T H E G R E A T E S T G I F T ( N I V T R A N S L A T I O N ) C H A R A C T E R S N a r r a t o r M a r y J o s e p h K i n g H e r o d D o v e S h e p a r d

More information

Joseph and Mary couldn t find a room at the inn, so they slept outdoors in a stable, where Jesus was born.

Joseph and Mary couldn t find a room at the inn, so they slept outdoors in a stable, where Jesus was born. The Birth of Jesus How Many Inaccuracies Can You Find? Joseph and Mary couldn t find a room at the inn, so they slept outdoors in a stable, where Jesus was born. LUKE 2:4 4 So Joseph also went up from

More information

Be Still and Know (Luke 1:5-25) by Rev. Dan McDowell November 25, 2018

Be Still and Know (Luke 1:5-25) by Rev. Dan McDowell November 25, 2018 1 Be Still and Know (Luke 1:5-25) by Rev. Dan McDowell November 25, 2018 5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife

More information

A Ray of Hope. ACT 1 (Mary s home) NARRATOR Today we are going to look at the Christmas story. And we are going to do it through Mary s eyes.

A Ray of Hope. ACT 1 (Mary s home) NARRATOR Today we are going to look at the Christmas story. And we are going to do it through Mary s eyes. A Ray of Hope ACT 1 (Mary s home) Today we are going to look at the Christmas story. And we are going to do it through Mary s eyes. It s night time now, and we are outside Mary and her mother s house in

More information

A Covenant of Trust Mary and Joseph Summer Sermon Series: Love Secrets from Bible Marriages Matthew 1:18-25

A Covenant of Trust Mary and Joseph Summer Sermon Series: Love Secrets from Bible Marriages Matthew 1:18-25 A Covenant of Trust Mary and Joseph Summer Sermon Series: Love Secrets from Bible Marriages Matthew 1:18-25 Rev. Michael D. Halley August 31, 2014 Suffolk Christian Church Suffolk, Virginia Twelfth Sunday

More information

Things are rarely as they seem. Things never work out the way you think they should!

Things are rarely as they seem. Things never work out the way you think they should! Joseph Expect the unexpected. Think about the way that God works. It s often very unexpected. Think about your last year, 5 years, the last 10, 20, 30 how ever old you are. Could you ever have imagined

More information

Christmas Eve 2017 Pastors Dave Hoffman and Mark Hoffman Foothills Christian Church December 24, 2017

Christmas Eve 2017 Pastors Dave Hoffman and Mark Hoffman Foothills Christian Church December 24, 2017 Christmas Eve 2017 Pastors Dave Hoffman and Mark Hoffman Foothills Christian Church December 24, 2017 Dave: What we re going to do now is we re going to read through the Christmas story. The birth of Jesus.

More information

Winter/Christmas Season 1-A

Winter/Christmas Season 1-A Page 1 The Shepherd s Search Winter/Christmas Season 1-A Written by Deborah Wasmer, Gr. 1-8 teacher warrenschool@samnet.net Warren SDA School (Massachusetts), Southern New England Conference Students playing

More information

The Christmas Story in First Person: Three Monologues for Worship Matthew L. Kelley

The Christmas Story in First Person: Three Monologues for Worship Matthew L. Kelley The Christmas Story in First Person Three Monologues for Worship By Matthew L. Kelley Mary It all started that night when the angel showed up. He was telling me how much God loved me and how I was going

More information

Jesus Birth Foretold. Jesus Birth Foretold

Jesus Birth Foretold. Jesus Birth Foretold Jesus Birth Foretold (Text from Luke 1:26-49 and Matthew 1:19-24) A Booklet from www.hubbardscupboard.org and www.joyfulheartlearning,com 2015 Clipart Copyright @ Kari Bolt Scripture quoted from the Holy

More information

Getting to Know Who I Am The 7 Redemptive Gifts

Getting to Know Who I Am The 7 Redemptive Gifts Getting to Know Who I Am The 7 Redemptive Gifts 14 Lesson Introductory Series WEEK 3 - SERVANT 10 Minutes: What I Do Best Game Check box list page in binder (list includes only characteristics of the gift

More information

Angelic Encounters December 16, 2018 Luke 1:5-22. Last week, as we began preparing for the birth of our Savior, we considered the prophets; today

Angelic Encounters December 16, 2018 Luke 1:5-22. Last week, as we began preparing for the birth of our Savior, we considered the prophets; today I. Introduction Angelic Encounters December 16, 2018 Luke 1:5-22 Last week, as we began preparing for the birth of our Savior, we considered the prophets; today we consider the angels in particular, Angelic

More information

The Birth of Jesus Christ. A Christmas Chronology

The Birth of Jesus Christ. A Christmas Chronology The Birth of Jesus Christ A Christmas Chronology The Birth of Jesus Christ A Christmas Chronology 1. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit together agree, before They ever create the world,

More information

Who could have guessed that a change born of necessity would have made the play more meaningful?

Who could have guessed that a change born of necessity would have made the play more meaningful? We Need A Joseph First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Dr. Frank Allen, Pastor 12/23/07 Isaiah 7:10-16 (NRSV) Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, [11] Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it

More information

Glory to God in the Highest

Glory to God in the Highest FOCAL TEXT Luke 2:1 20 BACKGROUND Luke 2:1 20 Christmas Lesson Glory to God in the Highest MAIN IDEA Jesus birth brought peace and is worthy of the highest praise. QUESTION TO EXPLORE How can we praise

More information

The Christmas Story. Zechariah and Elizabeth. From Luke 1:1-25

The Christmas Story. Zechariah and Elizabeth. From Luke 1:1-25 The Christmas Story Zechariah and Elizabeth From Luke 1:1-25 In the days when Herod was king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah. His wife s name was Elizabeth and they were both honorable and

More information

The Fullness of Time Christmas Eve Message

The Fullness of Time Christmas Eve Message The Fullness of Time Christmas Eve Message We have spoken for 2 weeks about Time today is the eve of the celebration of one of the most important times in human history. 1. The Fullness of Time a. Galatians

More information

THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH. Christmas Day Festival Worship

THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH. Christmas Day Festival Worship THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH Christmas Day Festival Worship December 25, 2018 WELCOME TO RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH! Resurrection is where the life of Jesus meets yours bringing life to marriage, family,

More information

The Story of Jesus Birth

The Story of Jesus Birth The Story of Jesus Birth by C. Haughee; Intermountainministry.org 2012 Approx. 25 minutes, music from God s Kids Worship: White which presents each song in split-trax for practice and performance. See

More information

Jesus Birth Foretold

Jesus Birth Foretold Jesus Birth Foretold (Text from Luke 1:26-49 and Matthew 1:19-24) A Booklet from www.hubbardscupboard.org and www.joyfulheartlearning,com 2015 Clipart Copyright @ Kari Bolt Scripture quoted from the Holy

More information

Matthew 1: Luke 2:1-4

Matthew 1: Luke 2:1-4 Matthew 1:18-25 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

More information

Lesser Known Characters of Advent: Joseph

Lesser Known Characters of Advent: Joseph Matthew 1:18-21 (NIV) Lesser Known Characters of Advent: Joseph This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together,

More information

BEFORE BABY JESUS BIRTH Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:5-80

BEFORE BABY JESUS BIRTH Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:5-80 BEFORE BABY JESUS BIRTH Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:5-80 STRUCTURE Key-persons: Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph Key-locations: Jerusalem and Nazareth Key-repetitions: Angels: angel Gabriel visited Zechariah (Lk

More information

A new perspective on the Advent, by Rev. Courtney Arntzen

A new perspective on the Advent, by Rev. Courtney Arntzen A new perspective on the Advent, by Rev. Courtney Arntzen INTRO: The advent of Jesus Christ is not only as it seems There is more going on than we imagine Voice #1: In the beginning was the Word, and the

More information

Christmas Wonder part 2 The Wonder of Surrender

Christmas Wonder part 2 The Wonder of Surrender 1 Christmas Wonder part 2 The Wonder of Surrender Lifeguard and water rescue. The person drowning has to surrender to the lifeguard or rescuer. If they do not surrender, then you cannot help them. Time

More information

W H E N G O D S T E P S I N

W H E N G O D S T E P S I N WHEN GOD STEPS IN MATTHEW 1:18-25 NLT 18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin,

More information

Advent and Christmas Festival of Worship and Music 9:00 and 10:30 December 20, 2015 Calvary Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND

Advent and Christmas Festival of Worship and Music 9:00 and 10:30 December 20, 2015 Calvary Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND Advent and Christmas Festival of Worship and Music 9:00 and 10:30 December 20, 2015 Calvary Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND Prelude Welcome Welcome to this special service of worship in which with music

More information

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 1 Boxing Day/Tomorrow 9.30 am Service No Night Service I am the light of the world.

More information

Carols and Candles Letters Home

Carols and Candles Letters Home Carols and Candles Letters Home For many years a carol service has been held at St Tudwal s church, Llanstadwell, on the Sunday evening before Christmas. Back in 2012 I felt it was time for something a

More information

December 10, 2017 Angels Among Us Text: Matthew 1:18-25 Title: Do Not Be Afraid: #MoreJoy

December 10, 2017 Angels Among Us Text: Matthew 1:18-25 Title: Do Not Be Afraid: #MoreJoy Wesley United Methodist Church Rev. Beverly E Stenmark December 10, 2017 Angels Among Us Text: Matthew 1:18-25 Title: Do Not Be Afraid: #MoreJoy If anyone is easily overlooked in the Christmas story and

More information

Visiting with Angels by Heath Lewis, DCE

Visiting with Angels by Heath Lewis, DCE Visiting with Angels by Heath Lewis, DCE How would you respond to a visit from an angel? It is hard for us to think about how we might react if, suddenly, an angel came to visit. Would you run away screaming?

More information

4th Sunday of Advent December 23, 2018 Sunday Worship at 10:30am. #WAITING ROOM #dreams Holden Evening Prayer.

4th Sunday of Advent December 23, 2018 Sunday Worship at 10:30am. #WAITING ROOM #dreams Holden Evening Prayer. Bummer seat Bulletin and/or Music-Reader Bulletin: This seat is NOT reserved. Go ahead sit here! You may have a partially blocked seat, so use this bulletin if you can t see the screen. You re welcome.

More information

*9:30am service only Introduce video by Pastor Tim then play video clip: A Very Special Baby

*9:30am service only Introduce video by Pastor Tim then play video clip: A Very Special Baby *9:30am service only Introduce video by Pastor Tim then play video clip: A Very Special Baby 1 P age *10:45am service only Higher Reach Children s Program Children are a blessing from the Lord. Right?

More information

The Intriguing Story of the First Christmas

The Intriguing Story of the First Christmas The Intriguing Story of the First Christmas Mary was a beautiful, young girl who was engaged to Joseph, a carpenter. They lived in a village called Nazareth in northern Israel. One night, not long before

More information

Mt. Traveler Missionary Baptist Church, Waverly, Alabama Synopsis of Sermon Preached by Rev. B. C. Datiri, Pastor WHO IS JESUS?

Mt. Traveler Missionary Baptist Church, Waverly, Alabama Synopsis of Sermon Preached by Rev. B. C. Datiri, Pastor WHO IS JESUS? Mt. Traveler Missionary Baptist Church, Waverly, Alabama Synopsis of Sermon Preached by Rev. B. C. Datiri, Pastor December 2, 2012 1. Born King of the Jews Matthew 2:1 12 1. In this celebrative holiday

More information

Crib Service 2. Order of service. Welcome. Opening Responses Tonight we are excited Bless us with wonder

Crib Service 2. Order of service. Welcome. Opening Responses Tonight we are excited Bless us with wonder Crib Service 2 An outline for a Crib Service narrated by the inn keeper and his wife Samuel and Sarah. Contains other readings and prayers With suggestions for carols Order of service Welcome Opening Responses

More information

The Real. Jesus. A study through the Gospel of Luke. BOOK 6: His preparation

The Real. Jesus. A study through the Gospel of Luke. BOOK 6: His preparation The Real Jesus A study through the Gospel of Luke BOOK 6: His preparation 3 T h e R e a l J e s u s 4 T h e R e a l J e s u s BECOMING A CHRISTIAN In the Bible, God reveals His truth about how to have

More information

The Jesse Tree Advent Devotional 2017 drawings by Leilani Pierson

The Jesse Tree Advent Devotional 2017 drawings by Leilani Pierson The Jesse Tree Advent Devotional 2017 drawings by Leilani Pierson a church, a city, and a world continually made new by the grace of Christ 2012 W. Dickens, Chicago, IL 60647, (Education Building: 2022

More information

The Nativity. CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION: FORMAT 32 pages 280 x 210mm (P) Cased

The Nativity.   CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION: FORMAT 32 pages 280 x 210mm (P) Cased A N N O D O M I N I P U B L I S H I N G FORMAT 32 pages 280 x 210mm (P) Cased AUTHOR Marion Thomas writes in a traditional story-teller style evoking the poetry of the Bible story while retaining biblical

More information

What is your response? December 6, 2015 Luke 1:5-20

What is your response? December 6, 2015 Luke 1:5-20 I. Introduction What is your response? December 6, 2015 Luke 1:5-20 It is impossible to read the Christmas story without talking about angels it begins and ends with them. The birth of Jesus Christ was

More information

SEVEN WOMEN ON HOLY SATURDAY JAMES HANVEY, SJ

SEVEN WOMEN ON HOLY SATURDAY JAMES HANVEY, SJ SEVEN WOMEN ON HOLY SATURDAY JAMES HANVEY, SJ Woman taken in adultery You won t know my name, you ll only know what they said I did. Don t you think it s odd that it's only the women who get caught? It

More information

THE PROMISE OF IMMANUEL ISAIAH 7:14; MATTHEW 1:18-25

THE PROMISE OF IMMANUEL ISAIAH 7:14; MATTHEW 1:18-25 THE PROMISE OF IMMANUEL ISAIAH 7:14; MATTHEW 1:18-25 Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (NKJV)

More information

MAKE UP PACKET SESSION 4 PROPHECY AND

MAKE UP PACKET SESSION 4 PROPHECY AND MAKE UP PACKET SESSION 4 PROPHECY AND THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST December 2017 Student s Name: The Goal of This Session: The purpose of this session is to help the student 1. understand that God always

More information

MAIN POINT: God chose Mary and Joseph to be Jesus earthly parents.

MAIN POINT: God chose Mary and Joseph to be Jesus earthly parents. SESSION TITLE: Angels Spoke to Mary and Joseph BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 1:18-24; Luke 1:26-56 MAIN POINT: God chose Mary and Joseph to be Jesus earthly parents. KEY PASSAGE: 1 John 4:9, This is how God showed

More information

JUST AN OBSERVER. By Kaye Loughridge. Performance Rights

JUST AN OBSERVER. By Kaye Loughridge. Performance Rights JUST AN OBSERVER By Kaye Loughridge Performance Rights It is an infringement of the federal copyright law to copy this script in any way or to perform this play without royalty payment. All rights are

More information

Sermon: Not-So-Silent Night

Sermon: Not-So-Silent Night Sermon: Not-So-Silent Night Not-So-Silent Night Luke 2:1-20 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took

More information

The No Vacancy Sign December 24, 2016 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor The First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida

The No Vacancy Sign December 24, 2016 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor The First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida 1 The No Vacancy Sign December 24, 2016 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor The First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Luke 2:1-20 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the

More information

JESUS CHANGED MY LIFE JOSEPH - He Directs My Actions Advent Worship Series Week 2 December 9, 2007

JESUS CHANGED MY LIFE JOSEPH - He Directs My Actions Advent Worship Series Week 2 December 9, 2007 JESUS CHANGED MY LIFE JOSEPH - He Directs My Actions Advent Worship Series Week 2 December 9, 2007 WORSHIP SERVICE OUTLINES Each worship outline contains all elements needed for your worship service. The

More information

An Unplanned Pregnancy Matthew 1:18-25 Rev. Brian Bill December 23-24, 2017

An Unplanned Pregnancy Matthew 1:18-25 Rev. Brian Bill December 23-24, 2017 An Unplanned Pregnancy Matthew 1:18-25 Rev. Brian Bill December 23-24, 2017 [Note: Give everyone a nail/spike when they come in] It s a bit awkward for me to be speaking to you today because I m known

More information

Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday.

Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday. Leader DEVOTIONAL Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday. People had been waiting a long time for Jesus.

More information

Matthew 1:18-25 Christmas Through Joseph s Eyes December 24, 2018

Matthew 1:18-25 Christmas Through Joseph s Eyes December 24, 2018 Transcription of 18TM901 Matthew 1:18-25 Christmas Through Joseph s Eyes December 24, 2018 If you have a Bible with you, and if you don t why are you in church? (Laughing) let s see if you can open it

More information

Luke Lesson 6 Handout. Matthew 1:18-19 (AMP)

Luke Lesson 6 Handout. Matthew 1:18-19 (AMP) Luke Lesson 6 Handout Matthew 1:18-19 (AMP) 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place under these circumstances: When His mother Mary had been promised in marriage to Joseph, before they came together,

More information

Catechism Bible Mega Quiz 2018 Question Bank: Class 1 Jesus Christ - Birth

Catechism Bible Mega Quiz 2018 Question Bank: Class 1 Jesus Christ - Birth Catechism Bible Mega Quiz 2018 Question Bank: Class 1 Jesus Christ - Birth CHARACTERS & REFERENCES Jesus Christ Birth Narrative o Mathew Chapters 1 to 2 o Luke: Chapters 1 to 2 Page 2 of 35 MATTHEW & LUKE:

More information

DO THE RIGHT THING Karen F. Bunnell Elkton United Methodist Church December 23, Fourth Sunday of Advent. Romans 8:22-28 Matthew 1:18-24

DO THE RIGHT THING Karen F. Bunnell Elkton United Methodist Church December 23, Fourth Sunday of Advent. Romans 8:22-28 Matthew 1:18-24 DO THE RIGHT THING Karen F. Bunnell Elkton United Methodist Church December 23, 2018 Fourth Sunday of Advent Romans 8:22-28 Matthew 1:18-24 It was, no doubt, the worst day of his life. Joseph, the carpenter,

More information

As Preached By Bobby D. Gayton Sunday AM

As Preached By Bobby D. Gayton Sunday AM BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS #2 Luke 1:26-38 INTRODUCTION A. For nearly 2000 years the followers of Jesus Christ have argued over the proper place of Mary. The early church apparently did not have this problem.

More information

God with Us Brings Love

God with Us Brings Love God with Us Brings Love If you weren t with us last week or if Advent is unfamiliar to you, let me briefly explain our journey toward Christmas. The word advent means coming or arrival, and the season

More information

Nothing is Impossible

Nothing is Impossible Nothing is Impossible I. ADVENT! The Coming of the King Life Center Sunday, December 16, 2018 The arrival, appearance, emergence, dawn, birth, rise, 2nd coming John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into

More information

Christmas Great Expectations. Luke 1: Message #1 of 2 S771. Sermon given on December 24, Sunday Morning Service

Christmas Great Expectations. Luke 1: Message #1 of 2 S771. Sermon given on December 24, Sunday Morning Service Christmas 2017 Great Expectations Luke 1:26-38 Message #1 of 2 S771 Sermon given on December 24, 2017 Sunday Morning Service Pastor Rick Lancaster Great Expectations Luke 1:26-38 Opening Comments Turn

More information

We Three Kings: Caesar Augustus Midweek Advent December 12, 2012

We Three Kings: Caesar Augustus Midweek Advent December 12, 2012 We Three Kings: Caesar Augustus Midweek Advent December 12, 2012 Welcome back. In our studio this morning we have Caesar Augustus. Caesar, introduce yourself to our audience and tell them what you do.

More information

Joseph Has a Dream. Matthew 1:18-24

Joseph Has a Dream. Matthew 1:18-24 Joseph Has a Dream Matthew 1:18-24 Sunday Teacher s Lesson for children Joseph has a Dream Matthew 1:18-24 Younger Verse Older Verse We tell you the good news: what God promised our fathers. Acts 13:32

More information

2- Emmanuel God with Us Pastor Joe Oakley GFC

2- Emmanuel God with Us Pastor Joe Oakley GFC 1 2- Emmanuel God with Us Pastor Joe Oakley GFC 12-16-18 We are in a Christmas sermon series entitled God With Us. I want to begin today by asking you a question. Why did God come to earth 2000 years ago

More information

The Feeling to Be Part of the Change Associate Pastor César Hernandez Isaiah 7: 10-16; Matthew 1: December 23, :15 AM Service

The Feeling to Be Part of the Change Associate Pastor César Hernandez Isaiah 7: 10-16; Matthew 1: December 23, :15 AM Service The Feeling to Be Part of the Change Associate Pastor César Hernandez Isaiah 7: 10-16; Matthew 1: 18-25 December 23, 2018 9:15 AM Service Today we just read a couple of bible passages; one from the Old

More information

Against his better judgment, he peeled back a little bit of the wrapping paper and saw he had received the Transformers figure just as he had hoped.

Against his better judgment, he peeled back a little bit of the wrapping paper and saw he had received the Transformers figure just as he had hoped. Anticipation Advent: Zechariah and Elizabeth God of the Impossible does the Incredible I came across this short story about Christmas that I quite liked and might be able to relate to one day, having four

More information

Bellaire Community United Methodist Church December 18, Dream. Advent 2016, part 4

Bellaire Community United Methodist Church December 18, Dream. Advent 2016, part 4 Eric Falker, page 1 Bellaire Community United Methodist Church December 18, 2016 Dream Advent 2016, part 4 Matthew 1:18-25 Only one week left until Christmas! For some people, that might sound like an

More information

The Great Story of Christmas

The Great Story of Christmas Opening Prayer for Christmas Eve Service Gracious, loving and merciful God, on this Christmas Eve, as the light of your Word penetrates our hearts, as we are reminded of the gift of life and faith, as

More information

SERMON 4 th Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010

SERMON 4 th Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010 SERMON 4 th Sunday of Advent December 19, 2010 Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 Brothers and sisters in Christ, grace to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord

More information

Empowering people to be Christ s followers in the world

Empowering people to be Christ s followers in the world 2 nd December 2012 Preacher: Lorraine Sievers (Congregational & Community Care) Theme: CHANGED BY HIS GLORY Mary and Joseph Readings: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7 Luke 1:26-56 Matt. 1:18-24 Verse: You are

More information

December 2, The Gifts of Christmas The Gift of Hope Matthew 1:18-21

December 2, The Gifts of Christmas The Gift of Hope Matthew 1:18-21 December 2, 2018 The Gifts of Christmas The Gift of Hope Matthew 1:18-21 Opening words: Christmas wouldn t be the same without gift giving. Many have traced the tradition back to the story of the Magi,

More information

The questions at the end of each day are totally optional and may need rephrasing for your unique audience!

The questions at the end of each day are totally optional and may need rephrasing for your unique audience! FAMILY ADVENT 1 Introduction We did this in our family and it seemed to go down well (the first time with a three and a five year old) so I wanted to offer it as a potential resource for others. The idea

More information

Nativity Story Advent Chain

Nativity Story Advent Chain Joyful Catholic Families Nativity Story Advent Chain Advent is not a set number of days. It can be 22 to 28 days long. If Advent is 28 days long, use the first four pages of this chain. If Advent is less

More information

BETHLEHEM SPEAKS. by Rochelle Pennington

BETHLEHEM SPEAKS. by Rochelle Pennington BETHLEHEM SPEAKS by Rochelle Pennington Copyright Notice CAUTION: Professionals and amateurs are hereby warned that this Work is subject to a royalty. This Work is fully protected under the copyright laws

More information

The Birth of Jesus. The Shepherds and the Angels. 2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world

The Birth of Jesus. The Shepherds and the Angels. 2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world The Reading of Luke 1:11-16 An Angel of the Lord Appears to Zechariah 11 Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him,

More information

But that is not what we Christians believe. We believe that 2000

But that is not what we Christians believe. We believe that 2000 The Christmas Story (December 24/25, 2011) It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. And for some it is. Santa Claus and flying reindeer, Christmas trees and presents, kids and stockings,

More information

Madness & the Manger

Madness & the Manger 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband

More information

WHEN GRACE APPEARS TITUS 2:11

WHEN GRACE APPEARS TITUS 2:11 WHEN GRACE APPEARS TITUS 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Titus 2:11 The face in the sky. The child born in the night among beasts. The sweet breath and steaming

More information

Send Us Your Light: The Listening

Send Us Your Light: The Listening Christmas Eve Morning December 24, 2016 Ellis White, Pastoral Intern Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church Send Us Your Light: The Listening Luke 2:25-35 Good morning and welcome to Chapel Hill, especially if

More information

1 CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL SUMMARIZE IT

1 CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL SUMMARIZE IT 1 CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL The people of Israel had waited a very long time for their Messiah (or A LOOK AHEAD During the month of December there will be about 10 devotionals focusing on the birth of Jesus

More information

The Nativity. Written by Bethan Lycett. Illustrated by Hannah Stout

The Nativity. Written by Bethan Lycett. Illustrated by Hannah Stout The Nativity Written by Bethan Lycett Illustrated by Hannah Stout Our story of Christmas began long ago, with Mary and Joseph (but without the snow). Mary and Joseph were planning a wedding, then they

More information

The Birth of the Savior

The Birth of the Savior The Birth of the Savior Luke 2:8-20 www.wordforlifesays.com Please Note: All lesson verses and titles are based on International Sunday School Lesson/Uniform Series 2013 by the Lesson Committee, but all

More information

UNIQUELY SDA. Presented by Carol Swinyar, Elementary Music Specialist. August 2006 NAD Teacher s Convention Nashville, Tennessee

UNIQUELY SDA. Presented by Carol Swinyar, Elementary Music Specialist. August 2006 NAD Teacher s Convention Nashville, Tennessee UNIQUELY SDA 1 Presented by Carol Swinyar, Elementary Music Specialist August 2006 NAD Teacher s Convention Nashville, Tennessee This take-home packet includes original works written by Seventh-day Adventists

More information

Question number one is what does this statement mean? Let s start with what the Bible tells us. Turn to Luke 1, beginning with verse 26.

Question number one is what does this statement mean? Let s start with what the Bible tells us. Turn to Luke 1, beginning with verse 26. Jesus Christ Conceived By The Holy Spirit, Born Of The Virgin Mary Series: The Apostles Creed [#4] Selected Scriptures Pastor Lyle L. Wahl October 1, 2006 Introduction When I was out and about this week

More information

Christmas Lesson God is With Us!

Christmas Lesson God is With Us! FOCAL TEXT Matthew 1:1, 17 25 BACKGROUND Matthew 1 Christmas Lesson God is With Us! MAIN IDEA Jesus birth fulfilled messianic prophecy as he came to be Immanuel, God with us. QUESTION TO EXPLORE How should

More information

Christmas. Welcome to our take-away Christmas Kit.

Christmas. Welcome to our take-away Christmas Kit. Welcome to our take-away Christmas Kit. Lots of us are traveling at this time of the year and we can t all get together to share in the strange and wonderful mystery of the Christmas story. So, instead

More information

Opening Video Clip. PP#2: Image of Mary cradling the baby Jesus with wonder on her face.

Opening Video Clip. PP#2: Image of Mary cradling the baby Jesus with wonder on her face. Advent Series: Not a Silent Night Sermon #5: Not a Silent Night Scripture: Luke 2:1-7 (to be read during the sermon) Source: Rev. Adam Hamilton at the Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, MO http://www.cor.org/worship/sermon-archives/show/sermons/candle-light-christmas-eve/

More information

The Miracle of the Message

The Miracle of the Message Series: The Miracle that is Christmas 2 Text: Luke 2:8-20 Valley Community Baptist Church Dec. 3/4, 2016 Avon/Bristol, CT Pastor Jay Abramson The Miracle of the Message What did we say last week was a

More information

Hope the Gift of Christmas. Hope. Printables.

Hope the Gift of Christmas. Hope. Printables. Hope the Gift of Christmas Hope Begins Printables Hope Begins Day 1 Day 2 Hope begins In the beginning God gave man the gift of Hope. The promised seed was given in Genesis 3:15. This prophecy, warning,

More information

6 Narrative Nativity Readings for 3 Readers

6 Narrative Nativity Readings for 3 Readers 6 Narrative Nativity Readings for 3 Readers These are ideal for a family Christmas service or for use in schools 1 From the beginning R1: Every story begins at the beginning. But where is our beginning

More information

Sample: GUESS WHO S COMING FOR CHRISTMAS?

Sample: GUESS WHO S COMING FOR CHRISTMAS? Sample: GUESS WHO S COMING FOR CHRISTMAS? PART 6 Host: It is time for the next exciting episode of Guess Who s Coming for Christmas? (Slide 17 theme music and question marks, same as slide 2) Are you contestants

More information

So while Isaac might have lost out on love (actually, I think it was Elizabeth s loss!) this didn t diminish his devotion to God or his joy at the

So while Isaac might have lost out on love (actually, I think it was Elizabeth s loss!) this didn t diminish his devotion to God or his joy at the 1 Last week, I gave you the behind the music story for one of our best loved Christmas carols Oh Holy Night. So this week, I wanted to give you another one. How many of you know the name Isaac Watts? [Transition]

More information

"SEEK A FRESH TOUCH FROM GOD" by Rom A. Pegram (12/24/17)

SEEK A FRESH TOUCH FROM GOD by Rom A. Pegram (12/24/17) "SEEK A FRESH TOUCH FROM GOD" by Rom A. Pegram (12/24/17) Today s message is about receiving, rather than giving. And, receiving is just as important as giving, wouldn t you say? After all, if we don t

More information