This will be our last LifeGroup study until the first week of February. We take a break 3 times a year, and this is one of them. Thank you for investing your time and energy in a group that is all about helping each other follow Jesus.

 

Stepping In: Getting things started!

 

1-What are you most nervous about as Christmas approaches?

 

 

Building Up: What is God Saying? 

 

Read Matthew 1:18-19. In the first century Jewish culture, the engagement or “betrothal” was a legally binding agreement. When Joseph thought his betrothed wife-to-be was not faithful he was ready to divorce her. What do we learn about Joseph as the story gets going?

 

 

Read Matthew 1:20-21. An angel fills Joseph in on the big plan. Why was it important for Matthew to note the lineage of Joseph (verses 1-17) if he wasn’t the actual father of Jesus?

 

 

Read Matthew 1:22-23. Matthew shows the connection to Isaiah’s prophecy that was written about 700 years before the birth of Jesus. What is the significance of Mary being a virgin? Also, what’s the significance of a 700-year-old prophecy coming true? What is the power of the name, “Immanuel”?

 

 

Read Matthew 1:24-25. How does Joseph’s response to the overwhelming and hard-to-believe message encourage you to be more obedient when you hear God’s voice?

 

 

Read Matthew 2:1-12. As a group, share some of the lessons that can apply to our lives from this part of the Christmas story.

 

 

Living Out: How do I obey?

 

1-Name one person in these stories and share what you learn from them and what you can do about it this week?

 

2-Please take time to pray for our Christmas services this coming week.