The angel visits Joseph during the Christmas play at Second Presbyterian Church.

~from Jennifer Difrancesco

Gathering:

        Joseph
Engaged to Mary
Pondering, Angels visit
He did as was told
~Elisabeth Paulk (age 8)

Prayer:
Open our ears and speak to us, O God. Let us hear you in our watching, waiting, hoping, dreaming, rejoicing, and embracing. And let us be visited and assured by Your Word. Amen.

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Memory Verse: “But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.'”(verses 20-21)

Reflection:
During this Christmas season, we usually read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke—the version that highlights Mary’s experience. But this upcoming Sunday (the 4th Sunday in Advent), the story is told from Joseph’s perspective.
I can’t help but wonder: How did Joseph feel? What a range of emotion: joy mixed with trepidation. We can all relate to the conflict of emotions during the Advent season. Advent is filled with a range of emotions for us as well. From the hustle and stress of trying to get “it” all done to our children’s desire for a snow day, so they don’t have to do a thing.

Questions to Spark Conversation:
~What emotions do you think Joseph felt?
~What emotions have you felt in the last couple of weeks? In Advent seasons past?

Spiritual Practice:
Reread this Christmas scripture text or another one from Matthew or Luke. Then take a moment to either:

1) write a Haiku together as a family

or

2) have each person write a Haiku and share it with the family.

*Forgot how to write a Haiku? Some simple instructions are found here.