God and Sinners Reconciled

This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David,
‍- Matthew 1:1a

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Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.
- Matthew 1:17

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the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,
- Matthew 1:1b

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Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s Wife,
- Matthew 1:3-6

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See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
- I John 3:1a

Mixer

What is your favorite holiday treat? Do you make it, or someone else?

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Sermon Questions

Scriptures: Luke 1:26-31, 46-55

1. Pastor Jared posed the question: Have you ever been in the middle of a scandal? If so, you are in the middle of the Christmas story. How does this truth make the Christmas story come to life for you?

2. Read Luke 1:26-31. Try to put yourself in Mary’s shoes. What might she have been thinking/feeling? Share a time when God called you to something bigger than yourself and you realized that, only with His help, you would get through.

3. Pastor Jared asked us: Where in your life right now does it feel like something or someone has a boot on your neck? How can you be assured that Jesus has the last word?

4. Read Luke 1:46-48. How much has God’s mindfulness of you resonated in your life? What have you done to rejoice in the Lord through good times and bad?

5. In honor of Advent (“arrival”), take a moment to pray with your group for hope and expectancy.

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Serve

The Holiday Hygiene Kit Drive is underway! If you would like to participate this month, click here.

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Pray

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'

Amen.

- Henri J.M. Nouwen