Advent: December 22

Advent

Dec 22

Written By Dr. Mark Livingston

Theme:

Joseph

Symbol:

A carpenter’s hammer

Read

Matthew 1:18-25 (Joshua 1:9)

Ask:

Why would Joseph want to divorce Mary? (She was pregnant without her husband’s involvement) How did Joseph demonstrate that he was a righteous man? (He was going to divorce her quietly and not publically humiliate her)
How did God reassure Joseph? (God sent him a dream and told him that the child was from the Holy Spirit) How did Joseph respond? (He listened to the angel, married Mary, and named the child Jesus)
Why is Mary’s son to be named Jesus? (The angel told Mary to name him Jesus which means, “The Lord is salvation). What does Immanuel mean? (God with us)
According to Matthew, how can we trust that God always keeps His promises? (v. 22-23)

Sing:

Angels We Have Heard on High

Pray:

God, thank You for being with us by sending Your Son, Immanuel. We praise You that You always prove faithful by keeping Your promises. Help us not to fear, knowing that You are always with us. Help us to be righteous and obedient in what we say and do. Amen.

Dr. Mark Livingston

Mark has been the Lead Pastor of Broadway since July 2020. He is married to Amanda, and they have four children: Lacy, Micah, Landon, and Savannah. He was licensed to the ministry in 1998 and ordained in 2004. He obtained a Master of Divinity from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Covenant Theological Seminary.