Comfort and Joy????

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 in the Message version. That’s the kind of love Joseph had for Mary! This weekend Jamie took a look at the Christmas story from Joseph’s point of view. Had you ever though how Joseph felt throughout this story? There’s a lot to learn from Mary and Joseph. Read Matthew 1:18. What did you learn from this sermon?

Their love for one another and God not only stood the test of time but tells the greatest love story ever told, the story of Christmas. Understanding them may just give us a better appreciation for Christmas and love in marriage. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “It’s not love that sustains the marriage. It’s the marriage that sustains love.” Though Joseph had disappointment, it was brief. God brought him understanding. Do you relate? Read Matthew 1:24. Joseph was obedient. Are you obedient to God? Why or why not? How can we learn from Joseph’s attitude and obedience? Discuss.

There’s always sacrifice in love. Name a time where you made a sacrifice for someone you love. Read Matthew 2:13. It was one thing after another for Joseph! They just got to Bethlehem and now they are on the run. But through this we see Joseph’s love for his wife and for Jesus. He taught Jesus his trade of carpentry with patience and loved Jesus as his own. How can you show love to a child or your own children? Can it be from acts alone or through multiple ways?

There was embarrassment, awkwardness, and frustration for Joseph. Mocking. Inconvenience. Stress. Tense situations. Read Matthew 1:20-23. Even through all of the negativity and questioning, Joseph was visited and told what to do by God. Do you think Joseph had a sense of calm knowing they were watched over by God? Do you think Joseph had peace, comfort or even joy because the Son of God was in their care? Discuss how it must have been to have this divine responsibility. How would you react if you were in Joseph’s shoes?

What is your biggest takeaway from the Christmas story? Do you think God chose these things to happen the way they did on purpose to teach us a lesson? What perspective do you have on Joseph? Explain.

Close in prayer understanding the love and care God has for us and thank Him for always being with us and watching over us.