At a time when Joseph likely felt completely isolated and alone, God sent God’s presence in the form of an angel, and promised God’s continued presence in the form of a child. We gather in anticipation of God’s presence with us again at Christmas.
Join us for worship this week:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 Sunday School and Fellowship
10:30 a.m. – Sunday School Christmas program
Devotions for this week: Jesus as Emmanuel – December 23, 2018
SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding
Monday, Luke 2:1-14, [15-20], Birth of Jesus
Tuesday, Luke 2:8-20, Shepherds Visit
Wednesday, Genesis 15:1-21, God’s Covenant with Abram
Thursday, Isaiah 7:10-17, A Sign of Immanuel
Friday, Isaiah 7:18-25, A Sign of Immanuel
Saturday, Acts 13:38-39, Jesus Frees
Go to clergystuff.com/daily-devotions for devotions on the daily readings.
TALK: Consider some of these ideas:
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife. (Matthew 1:24)
Joseph’s life is going just according to plan. He’s made a fine engagement to a girl from a good family. But now she’s got some surprising news for her husband-to-be. How is an honorable man supposed to respond?
- How does God work through the marginalized in your community? Is their message or service received differently because they are different?
- How does Immanuel show up in your life?
- For the littles: What’s been the greatest surprise of this Christmas season so far? God loves surprises!
PRAY: God, your servant Joseph remained obedient despite challenges and uncertainty. Give us his steady trust in the unfolding of your plan for us, that we might be found your faithful servants, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Emmanuel. Amen.
BLESS: May God surprise you with joy! Amen.
