Lights, Camera, CHRISTmas - Week 2
🤯 How Can You Find True Peace Amidst the Chaos of CHRISTmas?

Big Idea: Jesus offers peace in the midst of chaos.

Matthew 1:18-19 – NLT
18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

Matthew 1:20-21 – NLT
20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:22-25 – NLT
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” 24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

Luke 2:4-5 – NLT
4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

Luke 2:6-7 – NLT
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

1. Joseph didn’t let tension ruin the relationship.
2. Joseph didn’t let fear decide his actions.
3. Joseph didn’t let chaos ruin the moment.

ACTION(How could we live this out?)

1. Know where your peace comes from.

2 Corinthians 11:24-27 – NLT
24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – NLT
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.

2. Resolve not to add to the chaos.
3. Tell someone about the peace you have.

Questions to Talk About?
Q1: Why do you think that Christmas tends to be such a chaotic time for so many people?

Q2: Of all the things that Joseph had to deal with (betrayal, angel, travel, no room), what do you think was most difficult for him? Why?

Q3: The Apostle Paul experienced extreme chaos (lashes, shipwreck). If he could experience peace, how can we rely on the "Lord of peace himself" this week?

Q4: What is one specific way you can resolve not to add to the chaos in your own home or family this Christmas?

Big Idea:
Jesus offers peace in the midst of chaos.