Sermon Notes

 
THE START OF A JOURNEY ~ Matthew 1:18-25

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. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Main Point: Through the ups and downs of life, having a desire to do what honours God is key.
  • A troubling piece of news.
  • A man of character.
  • A life-defining dream.
Reflection Questions
  1. What do you think God might be saying to you today?
  2. What are you going to do about it?
  3. Do disappointments in your life lead you closer to God or cause you to drift from Him? Do you seek to follow God even when life does not go your way?
  4. How have you experienced God's love this advent season?

 

Worship Songs

Hark the Herald Angel Sings
Joy to the World
Good Christian Friends Rejoice
Glory, Glory to the Newborn King
O Holy Night
What Child Is This

 

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