The PromiseSample

The Birth of Jesus

Listen to "The Birth of Jesus":

Reflect

Sometimes things happen that turn our lives upside down. Imagine the impact on Mary, Joseph, and their families when Mary became pregnant before their marriage. Their future looked dismal, but God was at work in ways they couldn’t imagine. He took what seemed like great shame and turned it into joy — for the couple and the whole world! They received the great privilege of parenting the Son of God who in fact was Emmanuel — God with us, in human form. Their emotions probably ran the gamut from despair to elation to reverent fear.

Our dreams and blessings will differ from Mary and Joseph’s, but we can experience the same joy because God is still with us living in our hearts! He sets us free from our sins. And He is ruling from heaven above until the time when He will reign on earth at His second coming.

● When did God do something unexpectedly good in your life when all seemed dark?

● Is God asking you to do something difficult or challenging? How can you surrender yourself to Him like Mary and Joseph did?

Journal

What did you like in this story? What in the story challenges you or is confusing? What does this story show you about people? What does this story show you about God/Jesus/God’s Spirit? What does this story show you about yourself?