To Walk With Us In The Valley

“ ¹⁸ 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. ¹⁹ Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and 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 to be 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 be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’—which means, ‘God with us.’” —Matthew 1:18-23

Big Idea: We may enjoy God on the mountain, but we get to know him in the valley!

“ ⁵ Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. ⁶ As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. ⁷ They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” —Psalm 84:5-7

“ ²⁸ Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28-30

“ ⁵ What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.” —Psalm 84:5

“ ⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” —Philippians 4:8

“ ⁶ As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. ⁷ They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” —Psalm 84:6-7

“ ³³ I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

“ 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 be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’—which means, ‘God with us.’” —Matthew 1:21-23