What follows is our worship setting for St. Paul, Hardy for the season after Epiphany. In our congregation, we are singing these songs acapella, and the psalm litany replaces the Kyrie and Hymn of Praise. God bless your worship in song!
SONG OF WELCOME
LITANY
Psalm 63:1-8
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.
5 My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips 6 when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
For the Gospel Acclamation, we sing only the refrain of this hymn:
OFFERING SONG
SENDING ACCLAMATION
SENDING FOR MISSION
Go in Peace, Your LIGHT has Come! Thanks be to God!
13 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”
The Massacre of the Infants: Matthew 2:16-18
16 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:
18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
Daily Questions& Prayers
Sunday: Matthew 2:13a
Joseph is dreaming again! Have you been paying attention to your dreams this season? What do they have to tell you?
Dear God, help me to listen to you, no matter how you choose to speak to me. Amen.
Monday: Matthew 2:13b
Have you ever had to get up and go without advance notice? What was that experience like?
Dear Jesus, my time is not always your time. Help me to follow your lead, even when it interrupts my plans. Amen.
Tuesday: Matthew 2:13c
What do you think it would have been like to unexpectedly have to move with a two-year-old for Mary and Joseph? What would it be like for you?
Dear God, sometimes unexpected things happen to me. When I am in the middle of something unexpected, help me to you that you are present with me. Amen.
Wednesday: Matthew 2:14
Have you ever traveled to a foreign country? What was that experience like for you? If you could travel somewhere, where would you go?
Dear God, today I pray for those who are traveling because of the threat of war or violence. Keep them safe on their journey, and help them to know that they are always at home in you. Amen.
Thursday: Matthew 2:15
What would it have been like for Mary and Joseph to learn a new language, customs, and even cuisine? What would it be like for you to do so?
Dear God, today I pray for those who live far from home. Sustain them as they learn new things, and comfort them when they miss what is familiar. Amen.
Friday: Matthew 2:16
King Herod’s actions against the children in Bethlehem are similar to Pharaoh’s in Moses’ time. Why do you think he chose to do this? Where are there places in this world where something similar is happening, even today?
Dear Jesus, today I pray for all children in the world, in our country, and in my community whose lives are threatened by violence. Help me to see this danger and act to bring peace. Amen.
Saturday: Matthew 2:17-18
Have you ever been so sad that you didn’t know if you would ever stop crying? What was that experience like? What do you think it would have been like to lose a child to violence? How can you make a difference in the lives of those who are mourning loss?
(Pray in your own words for people you know who are sad, mourning, or in pain today.)
The pianist Kaleb Brasee is a stellar resource for Christmas songs to sing along to. If you would like to see the lyrics, choose “open transcript” from the menu that comes up after the three dots at the bottom of the video. Many blessings on your Christmas celebrations!
GATHERING PRAYER
Our Lord Emmanuel, we thank you for coming down to us on Christmas. Shine your light into our darkness, and open our hearts to your way of love and peace. Amen.
GATHERING SONG
FIRST READING
The Birth of Jesus Foretold (Luke 1:26-38 NRSV) 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
CAROL
SECOND READING
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:18-25 NRSV) 18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do 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 as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
CAROL
THIRD READING
The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7 NRSV) In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
CAROL
FOURTH READING
The Shepherds and the Angels (Luke 2:8-20 NRSV) 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
CAROL
FIFTH READING
The Visit of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12) 2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
CAROL
SIXTH READING
The Word Became Flesh (John 1:1-5,9-14 NRSV) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
CAROL
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
On this holy night, let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people throughout the world, and for all those in need of prayer.
O God of Courage, we pray for those who, like Mary, need some courage today. Strengthen them in their courage, and give us a measure of your own. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God of Encouragement, we pray for those who, like Elizabeth, encourage others. Open their hearts and minds to those who need your help and care, and encourage us in the path where you lead. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God of Mercy, we pray for those who, like Joseph, are merciful. Help them to know how to do what is right, and help us to extend that mercy towards those who need it. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Light of Light, we pray for the church. For unity in division, for strength in adversity, for hope in despair. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Root of Jesse, we pray for the earth. For rest for the land, for clean water, air, and soil, for good stewardship of all you have given us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Prince of Peace, we pray for the world. For peace among nations, for peace among peoples, for peace in our homes and communities. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Key of David, we pray for those who cannot be here with us today. For compassion for our neighbors in need. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Source of Wisdom, we pray for those in need of prayer. For health, hope, healing, and wholeness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Mighty Lord, stir up your power and come among us. For those things on our hearts and minds which are known only to you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God with us, we thank you for this time to worship you. As we go from here, help us to be your light in all the dark places of our homes, our communities, and our world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray…
THE LORD’S PRAYER
CAROL
OFFERING: MISSION OF THE MONTH
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OFFERING PRAYER
As we celebrate the coming of your Son, O God, we thank you for the blessing of your generosity and forgiveness. We give you thanks for our many blessings, signs of your gracious love. Strengthen us to be generous and forgiving, that we may share our gifts with the hungry and all who look for your justice and mercy. Grant this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Daily Questions& Prayers
Sunday: Matthew 2:1-2
What do you think it would have been like to travel all the way across the known world because of a sign in the stars? Where is a place to which you would like to travel? What journey is God calling you to take?
Dear God, guide my journey of faith. Keep all who are traveling safe, and give me the courage to go where I have never been. Amen.
Monday: Matthew 2:3-4
When Herod doesn’t know what to do next, he seeks knowledge from the wisest people he knows. Where do you go to seek wisdom or knowledge? How do you know which sources to trust? For whom are you a source of wisdom or knowledge in your life?
Dear Jesus, give me wisdom and knowledge. Help me to trust, that I may be guided in your way. Amen.
Tuesday: Matthew 2:5-6
Bethlehem is a little like the towns that we live in. What would it be like if someone famous was from your town? What would you like our towns to be famous for?
(Pray for your town using your own words.)
Wednesday: Matthew 2:7-8
When is a time that you can remember searching diligently for something? Did you find it? How did you find what you were looking for? What do you think God is calling you to search for?
Dear Jesus, I know that you came to save the lost. Find me when I am lost, and help me to have the diligence to seek that which needs to be found in my life. Amen.
Thursday: Matthew 2:9-10
What would it have been like to get to the end of such a long journey? When is a time when you have been overwhelmed with joy? How does God bring joy to you?
Dear God, I thank you for the end of long journeys, and the gift of joy. Fill me with a sense of joy that never runs out, that it may overflow to those I meet. Amen.
Friday: Matthew 2:11
The wise men bring gifts to show that Jesus is king, God, and sacrifice. What do you think Mary and Joseph thought of these gifts? What is the best gift you ever received?
Dear Jesus, thank you for reminding me of just who you really are. Help me to be generous, both in giving and receiving. Amen.
Saturday: Matthew 2:12
When is a time when you had to take a detour, or travel by an unfamiliar road? What was it like for you and your travel companions? What do you suppose it was like for the wise men?
Dear Jesus, sometimes you ask me to travel on unfamiliar roads. Give me courage to persevere, and an open mind and heart to follow where you lead. Amen.
Jesus Is Presented in the Temple (Luke 2:21-38 NRSV)
21 After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon[i] blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Daily Questions& Prayers
Sunday: Luke 2:21
One of the important parts of circumcision is that it places a child on the family tree. Who are some important branches of your family tree for you? Where would Jesus fit on your family tree?
Dear Jesus, I thank you for placing me into a family. Help me to learn and to grow, both as a child of my family and as a child of God. Amen.
Monday: Luke 2:22-24
In the Bible, birth order is often very important. In what order were you and your siblings (if any) born? What makes your place in your family special? Annoying?
Dear God, I know that I was born at just the right time. Help me to see the advantages of my place in my family, and to live according to your Word. Amen.
Tuesday: Luke 2:25-27
This reading mentions that the Holy Spirit rested on Simeon, and that Jesus’ arrival was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit. Have you ever experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit? In what ways do you see God in your life?
Dear God, send your Holy Spirit upon me. Reveal your will to me, and guide my life. Amen.
Wednesday: Luke 2:28-32
What difference does light make to a dark room? What kind of a difference do you suppose the light of Christ is making in our dark world? How are you being called to let your “little light” shine?
Dear Jesus, you came to be a light to the whole world. Help me to see your light in dark times. Empower me to reflect your light in those places that need it most. Amen.
Thursday: Luke 2:33-35
What do you think it was like for Mary and Joseph to meet Simeon? What would it be like to know that, because of your son, your future will sometimes be difficult? What prayers would you have for your child?
(Offer a prayer in your own words for your children, future children, or children who are dear to you)
Friday: Luke 2:36-37
What do you think it would have been like to meet Anna? How do you think she might be different from other older women that you know? How would she be the same?
Dear God, I thank you for the wise saints in my life. Open my ears, that I might absorb their wisdom. Open my heart, that I might offer what I can to those of older years. Amen.
Saturday: Luke 2:38
Anna had been waiting for many years for Jesus to arrive on the scene. What are you waiting for? When you wait, is it with patience or impatience, despair or hope? What does God have to do with us while we wait?
Dear Jesus, make me patient when I have to wait for something that is dear to my heart. Help me to wait with hope. Cast out my impatience and despair. Amen.
2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels: Luke 2:8-20 NRSV
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Daily Questions& Prayers
Sunday: Luke 2:1-4
What are some advantages of your hometown? Disadvantages? Where do you think God is at work in your hometown?
Dear God, I thank you for the town that I call home. Bless and keep all of the towns that are close to my heart, and help me to be a good member of the community. Amen.
Monday: Luke 2:5-7
What would it be like to have a baby in a barn? What do you think that it means that Jesus was born, not just to humans, but also to the animals? What do you think that it means that Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in the opposite of a palace?
Dear Jesus, I am thankful that you were born on earth, and that you came to all creation. Help me to remember your humble birth in the midst of all of the holiday joy. Amen.
Tuesday: Luke 2:8-9
Why do you think that the angels came to visit the shepherds to tell them about the birth of Jesus, before anyone else? Who in our time do you think that the angel would have come to?
Dear Lord, I thank you that you are not afraid to bring the message of your love all the way to the edges of society. Help me to be brave in proclaiming your message. Amen.
Wednesday: Luke 2:10-12
What is the best news that you have ever received? Who gave you the news? What was your reaction? How do you think the shepherds felt?
Dear Jesus, I thank you for being the good news of great joy of Christmas. Make my words and deeds reflect your joy, from the inside out. Amen.
Thursday: Luke 2:13-15
Shepherds did not usually make midnight trips to town. Why do you suppose that they left their responsibilities that night? What kind of good news would be enough for you to drop everything and go?
(Spend a bit of time being quiet, and listening for God’s voice) Dear God, when you call me, help me to drop everything and go. Amen.
Friday: Luke 2:16-18
Tell about a time when you talked to someone else about Jesus. Who else could you tell today?
Dear Jesus, I thank you for being born as a real human being. Help me to not keep this miracle to myself, but to share it with those whom you have prepared. Amen.
Saturday: Luke 2:19-20
The shepherds just can’t get enough of Jesus! What is something wonderful that you want to experience again and again? How can you invite God into that experience?
Dear God, thank you for wonderful experiences in my life. Help me to treasure them, and to meet you there. Amen.
But just when he had resolved to do 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 as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:20 NRSV)
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:18-25 NRSV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do 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 as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Daily Questions& Prayers
Sunday: Matthew 1:18
What are the promises that people make to one another when they get engaged to be married? What would it be like to think that your significant other was lying to you about something very important?
Dear Lord, help me to keep the promises that I make, and make me faithful in all my relationships. Amen.
Monday: Matthew 1:19
What do you think that you would have done in Joseph’s situation? What are some ways that you can do what is right, but also what is merciful?
Dear God, help me to know the right thing to do in sticky situations. Help me to show mercy to others, as you show mercy to me. Amen.
Tuesday: Matthew 1:20
What do you dream about? Do you listen to your dreams? Has God ever sent you a message through a dream? What was that experience like?
Dear Jesus, you are with me when I am awake and when I am asleep. Grant me peaceful rest, and an open mind to hear your voice. Amen.
Wednesday: Matthew 1:21
The name Jesus means “God saves.” Why do you think that this is an important name for the Son of God to have? How does Jesus save us from our sins?
(Take a few moments to think about the ways in which you have sinned and want forgiveness)
Dear Jesus, I ask you to forgive me completely, and to save me from my sins. Amen.
Thursday: Matthew 1:22-23
What does it mean that “God is with us” in the person of Jesus? At what times and in what places do you know that God is present in your life?
Dear God, I thank you that you are present in my life, in the good times, in the bad times, and everywhere in between. Help me to know that this is really true in my life. Amen.
Friday: Matthew 1:24
Tell your favorite story of a wedding. What do you think that it means that Joseph and Mary are making a lifetime commitment at this point in the story?
Dear God, I thank you for Joseph and Mary, and the commitment that they made to one another in uncertain times. Help me to reach out in love towards others. Amen.
Saturday: Matthew 1:25
In Bible times, when a father named a child, he was claiming it as his own. What do you think of Joseph for claiming Jesus as his son on earth? Who do you claim as your own? Who claims you?
Dear Jesus, I thank you for claiming me as your own in the waters of baptism. Help me to walk as a child of your light, now and always. Amen.
Dwelling in the Word Together 