Fathers Who Step In
December 18, 2022
Four out of every ten children born in America are born to single mothers. Most of these children will grow up with a lack of positive male influences in their lives. Mary was single when she got word that she would give birth to Jesus. And like many children, Jesus would have been the child of a single mother, except for the obedience of a humble carpenter named Joseph. Join us for part four of The Family Christmas Tree where we will explore the life of Joseph, the father-who-stepped-in.
Passage
Joseph had a ________________ ____________________ with God.
(Matthew 1:18-23)
Joseph practiced ______________ ____________________.
(Matthew 1:24-25)
Joseph practiced ______________ ____________________.
(Luke 2:1-7)
Joseph demonstrated ________________ ____________________.
(Matthew 2:13-23)
Principles
God invites faithful men and women to __________ in the ________ of broken ________________.
Practice
Ask God to ________ you the ______ He would have you ________.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “angel”?
HEAR
Read Luke 2:8-14
- How did the shepherds initially react to the appearance of the angel of the Lord? Is the shepherds’ reaction consistent with other biblical accounts of angels? What do these reactions tell you about angels? How does this compare with popular ideas of angels today?
- What message did the angels deliver? What is the significance of this message?
- If Jesus had come to earth in Jacksonville in 2022, to whom might the angels have made the announcement?
- What or who suddenly appeared with the angel in verse 13? Does “heavenly host” imply only angels? Why or why not? How might Hebrews 12:1 and Revelation 4 change our understanding of the “heavenly host” and what, if any, difference would this make?
Read Luke 2:15-20
- What did the shepherds do in response to the appearance of the heavenly host? What did their investigation reveal?
- What did the shepherds do as a result of their investigation? How did people respond to them?
Read Luke 2:21-24
- The first of Jesus’ blood spilled was not on the cross, but as a result of His circumcision. Why does Luke include this detail? Paul will later say that because of Jesus’ death on the cross, circumcision of the flesh is no longer necessary. Why would Paul say this? (See Galatians 4:4-7)
- What was the significance of the pair of turtle doves offered as a sacrifice at Jesus’ dedication? (See Leviticus 12:6-8) How does this fact correspond with everything else Luke has described regarding the birth of Jesus? What does this tell you?
- What makes the lowly and marginalized more receptive to the message of the Gospel? How should this affect the way Christians share the good news? What does this say to those of us who are “better off” than the modern shepherds and who can afford more than two turtle doves?
HUDDLE
How will you use the wealth, position, influence God has given you to share the Gospel? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Readings
As you read prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as you make room for Jesus in your celebration of Christmas.
- Day 1: Isaiah 40
- Day 2: Isaiah 41
- Day 3: Isaiah 42
- Day 4: Matthew 1
- Day 5: Luke 2:1-38
- Day 6: Matthew 2
- Day 7: Luke 2:39-52
Think Deeper
- Were you raised by your biological parents? If not, what difference do you think that made?
- Have you ever had someone “stand in the gap” for you? If so, how?
- What can we learn from Joseph’s role in the Christmas story?
Suggested Resources
The Music of Christmas by Gary and Sheri Webber
God Came Near by Max Lucado
Advent Conspiracy by Rick McKinley
Check out these and other suggested books at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB