Introduction

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.


19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.

20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”


Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”

24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

So What?!!

Matthew uses prophecy to give us insight into the nature of our King:

#1. Our King is inclusive, Mt. 1:1-16

“…do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…”

This Christmas watch for someone to include!

#2. Our King is humble, Mt. 2:6

“…the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”

This Christmas watch for someone to serve!

#3. Our King is unique, Mt. 1:23

“…you shall call His name Jesus,”
“…call His name Immanuel,”

This Christmas watch for someone to compliment!

#4. Our King is loving, Mt. 2:15

Behold, the virgin shall be with child,
and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, “God with us.” Isaiah 7:14

This Christmas watch for someone to love!

#5. Our King is liberating, Mt. 2:18

“…you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

This Christmas watch for someone to forgive!

Missing Peace at Christmas
Matthew 1:18-25
Pastor Ed Kemp
December 7 &10, 2023

Prayer Requests:


Group Discussion: What was your favorite Christmas and why?
Read: Matthew 1:18-25

#1. Our King is inclusive, Mt. 1:1-16, “…do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…” This Christmas watch for someone to include! Have you ever included someone outside your family to join you for a Christmas party, eve, dinner or football! How did it go? Is there someone you could invite to attend Christmas Eve services with your family? Who in your circle of influence do you think needs Christ most or least? Is there a difficult person that is included every Christmas that you need to have a better attitude toward?

#2. Our King is humble, Mt. 1:20 “…the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” This Christmas watch for someone to serve! Jesus, the God of the Universe, is so humble He was willing to become a man and serve His creation that they might inherit eternal life. Notice you inherit by being a part of a family, not by earning or being good enough to deserve it. What kinds of attitudes, values and things did you inherit from your earthly family? What do you inherit from your heavenly Father? How is your small group serving this Christmas?

#3. Our King is unique, Mt. 1:23, “…you shall call His name Jesus,” “…call His name Immanuel,” This Christmas watch for someone’s uniqueness and compliment them! What’s one compliment you’ve been given that was encouraging to you? Why? What’s a compliment you’ve given to someone in hopes that it built them up?

#4. Our King is loving, Mt. 1:23, “…they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, “God with us.” Isaiah 7:14, This Christmas watch for someone to love! Who do you give your time to in hopes to serve them in a deeper way so that your relationship grows; husband, child, parent, friend?

#5. Our King is liberating, Mt. 2:18, “…you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” This Christmas watch for someone to forgive! This can be the most difficult Christmas assignment! Where and with whom (be confidential) do you need to be more forgiving?

Family Time: Sing a Christian Christmas song with your kids and explain the phrases and words. Explain why Christmas is such a special time of celebrating Jesus birth.