Thursday Thoughts for Parents | "Joseph's Story"
December 15, 2016 by SGCL Staff
Category: Thursday Thoughts for Parents | Jeff Purswell, parenting, Matthew, Thursday, Thoughts for Parents
This post is based on Jeff Purswell's sermon, Joseph's Story, given on December 11, 2016.
Last Sunday’s sermon discussed the birth of Jesus from the perspective of Joseph. Jeff unpacked the amazing nature of the incarnation and reminded us not to lose the wonder of what was done that first Christmas day.
Read Matthew 1:18-25.
The birth of Jesus was the incarnation, or the “in fleshing” of God. At the fulfillment of hundreds of promises throughout the Old Testament, God Himself took on flesh to save His people.
- What does that tell us about God?
- Why should this fill our heart with wonder?
Read Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, and Matthew 28:18-20. These verses remind us that Jesus is “Immanuel,” God with us. He did not just come to save us from our sins, but also to bring His presence to us. In fact, He promises us that even now He is with us at all times. How will knowing God is with you everywhere you go effect your day today?
Christmas is not just a time to look back with wonder on the birth of Christ. It also beckons us to look forward with hope to the day He will come again. Every December 25th brings us closer to the end of the age.
- What excites you the most in thinking about heaven and the age to come?
- What things can we do to make this forward-looking hope a bigger part of our daily lives?
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