Read Matthew 1:18-25. Try to imagine being in Joseph's shoes. How do you think you would feel in the time between learning Mary is pregnant and when the Angel of the Lord visits?
When you consider this, what do Joseph's righteousness and the way he walked through this situation mean to you now?
What did you hear in the weekend message that was either new to you or a good reminder? How did it connect with your current experience or what is God teaching you?
Group Reconnect
Since our series is all about Christmas movies, what is your favorite?
When you were a kid, what was the gift you most wanted?
Open in Prayer
Looking for an example of an Opening Prayer? Clickhere.
Message Recap
Today began our Christmas at the Movies series! Pastor Dave opened the series with the movie Elf. We were introduced to Buddy the Elf, a 30-year-old man raised in the North Pole who finds out his biological father is alive in New York City. The movie follows Buddy on his adventure to find his dad, the disappointment that his father isn't quite what he hoped, and the ensuing adventure that brings Christmas cheer to the city.
While Buddy's story is fiction, many of us can relate to strained familial relationships and the chaos bred from a too-full schedule at Christmas time. Matthew 1:18-25 is where we see Joseph, Jesus's earthly father, grappling with Mary being pregnant and not exactly experiencing life as he had hoped. Pastor Dave asked, how did Joseph handle this chaos and what can he teach us?
Focus on the right relationship with God The Bible says Joseph was a righteous man, which means he was intentional about his relationship with God. Joseph's right relationship with God produced an inner strength that enabled him to make it through this difficult time.
Demonstrate grace in reaction to stressful situations Joseph had every "right" to be angry at Mary and the situation he was in. But instead, he chose grace. We are going to face difficult circumstances this Christmas, but it is a time for grace. Dave reminded us we need Jesus because human love and grace run out, but God's never does.
Influenced family toward God After the angel visits Joseph he trusts what he has been told and takes Mary as his wife—his first step of moving his family toward God. That’s what we need to be doing this Christmas. In small ways. In creative ways. In bold ways. With actions. With words. We need to be influencing our family toward the true spirit of Christmas.
Pastor Dave challenged us, "What could you do to influence your family towards God this Christmas?"
Discussion Questions
Read Matthew 1:18-25. Try to imagine being in Joseph's shoes. How do you think you would feel in the time between learning Mary is pregnant and when the Angel of the Lord visits?
When you consider this, what do Joseph's righteousness and the way he walked through this situation mean to you now?
What did you hear in the weekend message that was either new to you or a good reminder? How did it connect with your current experience or what is God teaching you?
As we reflect on Joseph's righteousness, Pastor Dave encouraged us to consider some of the rhythms from Rooted, like service, daily devotion, and generous giving during this Christmas season and beyond. What things might you consider doing now or at the start of the year?
As a group, discuss some of the things that might trigger a non-gracious response in you this season. Spend some time praying for one another and asking God to move in those areas.
Pastor Dave challenged us, "What could you do to influence your family towards God this Christmas?" Discuss your answers as a group.
Live It Out
This week, ask God to show you who might be in your circle of influence that you can invite to church. Then, ask Him to give you the courage to make the invitation.
Pastor Dave encouraged us with Deuteronomy 6:5-9 to start to pepper our conversations and life with the reason for this season, Jesus. Try living that out this week.
Close in Prayer
Looking for an example of a Closing Prayer? Click here.
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