Nurturing Faith… Every Day in Every Way

December 22, 2013 Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7:10-16Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Romans 1:1-7Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph accepts Jesus as his son Object: A Christmas angel ornamentDon't you just love all of the beautiful decorations during the Christmas season? We see

colorful ribbons and bows, bells, candles, stars and a lots and lots of angels. Why do you think we see so many angels at Christmas time? Probably the first thing we think of when we see angel decorations at Christmas is that the angels appeared to announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. But an angel is important to the Christmas story even before Jesus was born. Can anyone remember the first time Mary or Joseph saw an angel? That's right! An angel appeared to Mary and told her she was going to have a baby boy.

Our Bible lesson today tells us about another visit from an angel. This visit was to Joseph. As you know, Joseph and Mary were engaged to be married. Can you imagine the thoughts that came to Joseph's mind when he discovered that Mary was going to have a baby? He probably asked himself, "What do I do now?" Joseph was a good man and did not want to disgrace Mary publicly, so he decided that it would be better to break off the engagement quietly. While he was considering this, an angel appeared to him in a dream.

"Don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife," the angel said. "The child that is inside her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. She will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save the people from their sins."

When the angel of the Lord had spoken and made God's plan clear, Joseph was obedient. He didn’t have to understand how everything was going to happen. He didn’t need to worry about what anyone else would think. Joseph trusted God and obeyed Him.

Sometimes you and I may find ourselves in a situation where we don't know what to do. Like Joseph, we might ask ourselves, "What do I do now?" If we listen, God will tell us what to do. He probably won't speak to us through an angel, but he will speak to us through His Holy Word! It is up to us to listen and obey.

Heavenly Father, we are filled with joy by the many lessons we learn from the story of the birth of our Savior. Help us to read your Word and listen as you give us the answers to life's difficult questions. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Used by permission. Sermons4kids.com

Family Activities – Advent is a time of preparing for Jesus. Here are some family activities that you can do during the week to emphasize the Season of Giving.

1. Do something around the house to make life easier for a family member.

2. Perform a random act of kindness for a stranger. Need ideas? Here is a list of 155 ideas for random acts of kindness

3. Make a list of love and appreciation. Sit down as a family tonight and spend some time talking about what you love and appreciate about every person. Be sure to have someone take notes, then give the notes to each family member – they could provide just the pick-me-up someone needs on a bad day.

4. Mail handwritten notes or holiday cards. Everyone enjoys getting mail, so whether you decide to send out holiday cards or just simple notes, let friends and family know that you are thinking of them.

5. Focus on being kind to strangers and clerks at the grocery store. Give another driver the nice parking spot. Return someone’s shopping cart. Make pleasant small talk with the clerk when you check out. Smile at every person you pass. Hold the door open for someone

Copyright © Sermons4kids, Inc.

All Rights Reserved

Gospel Acclamation : Alleluia. The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel. Alleluia. (Matt. 1:23)

From Thru-the-Bible Coloring Pages for

Ages 4-8. © 1986,1988 Standard

Publishing.Used by

permission. Reproducible

Coloring Books may

be purchased

fromStandard

Publishing, www.standardpub.com, 1-800-543-

1301.