GateWay Church of Visalia
Christmas Joy
Christmas Peace Matthew 2:1-12 Pastor Ed Kemp, 12/13/2020
Locations & Times
GateWay Church
1100 S Sowell St, Visalia, CA 93277, USA
Sunday 8:30 AM
Introduction
So What?!
How do I develop Biblical joy?
#1. Keep looking for Jesus
“Where is He…” vs. 2
“Where is He…” vs. 2
#2. Stay connected to Scripture
“…this is what has been written by the prophet:” vs. 5
“…this is what has been written by the prophet:” vs. 5
#3. Sincerely worship
“(we)…have come to worship Him.” Vs. 2
“…so that I too may come and worship Him.” vs. 8
“they fell to the ground and worshiped Him.” vs. 11
“(we)…have come to worship Him.” Vs. 2
“…so that I too may come and worship Him.” vs. 8
“they fell to the ground and worshiped Him.” vs. 11
#4. Give Him your best
“…opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” vs. 12
“…opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” vs. 12
Christmas Joy
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: When was the first time you attended a Christmas Eve service and what did you think of it?
Read: Matthew 2:1-12, How do I develop Biblical joy? #1. Keep looking for Jesus, 2“Where is He…” vs. 2. How does your family involve/include or remind yourselves of Jesus in your Christmas activities? What plays the largest role of keeping Christ in Christmas in your family: Christmas music, Scripture reading, Church attendance or Decorations? Why do you think you got in that habit? How would you like to grow Jesus involvement in Christmas?
#2. Stay connected to Scripture, “…this is what has been written by the prophet:” vs. 5. Would you be willing to read some of the Christmas story out of the Bible everyday? Here’s a reading assignment for everyday leading up to Christmas: Begin Monday, Dec. 14th, Lk. 1:1-17, 15th Lk. 1:18-25, 16th Lk. 1:26-38, 17th Lk. 1:39-45, 18th Lk. 1:46-56, 19th Lk. 1:57-66, 20th Lk. 1:67-80, 21st Matt. 1:18-25, 22nd Matt. 2:1-12, 23rd Matt. 2:13-21, 24th Lk. 2:1-7, 25th Lk. 2:8-20.
#3. Sincerely worship, “(we)…have come to worship Him.” Vs. 2, “…so that I too may come and worship Him.” vs. 8, “they fell to the ground and worshiped Him.” vs. 11. What is the most meaningful type of worship for you: music, teaching, prayer, reflection, meditation, silence, reading, memorizing, responsive reading, communion, reciting the Lord’s prayer or reciting Psalm 23? Why? How did you realize that was your favorite type of worship?
#4. Give Him your best, “…opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” vs. 12. When did you start giving your time? Your talent? Your treasure? Do you feel like you give out of habit or heart?
Family Time: Work with your kids on the advent box which Pastor Jen and GateWay supplied you.
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: When was the first time you attended a Christmas Eve service and what did you think of it?
Read: Matthew 2:1-12, How do I develop Biblical joy? #1. Keep looking for Jesus, 2“Where is He…” vs. 2. How does your family involve/include or remind yourselves of Jesus in your Christmas activities? What plays the largest role of keeping Christ in Christmas in your family: Christmas music, Scripture reading, Church attendance or Decorations? Why do you think you got in that habit? How would you like to grow Jesus involvement in Christmas?
#2. Stay connected to Scripture, “…this is what has been written by the prophet:” vs. 5. Would you be willing to read some of the Christmas story out of the Bible everyday? Here’s a reading assignment for everyday leading up to Christmas: Begin Monday, Dec. 14th, Lk. 1:1-17, 15th Lk. 1:18-25, 16th Lk. 1:26-38, 17th Lk. 1:39-45, 18th Lk. 1:46-56, 19th Lk. 1:57-66, 20th Lk. 1:67-80, 21st Matt. 1:18-25, 22nd Matt. 2:1-12, 23rd Matt. 2:13-21, 24th Lk. 2:1-7, 25th Lk. 2:8-20.
#3. Sincerely worship, “(we)…have come to worship Him.” Vs. 2, “…so that I too may come and worship Him.” vs. 8, “they fell to the ground and worshiped Him.” vs. 11. What is the most meaningful type of worship for you: music, teaching, prayer, reflection, meditation, silence, reading, memorizing, responsive reading, communion, reciting the Lord’s prayer or reciting Psalm 23? Why? How did you realize that was your favorite type of worship?
#4. Give Him your best, “…opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” vs. 12. When did you start giving your time? Your talent? Your treasure? Do you feel like you give out of habit or heart?
Family Time: Work with your kids on the advent box which Pastor Jen and GateWay supplied you.