Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:22-25“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).— Matthew 1:23Joseph is sometimes an overlooked character in the Christmas story. He never speaks in the gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth. Instead, he con

Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:18-21Joseph . . . had in mind to divorce her quietly.— Matthew 1:19Having looked at Luke 1 already this month, we know about the angel’s announcement to Mary and the miraculous conception of her son, who would be named Jesus.But Joseph did not know all of this at first.

Scripture Reading — Matthew 1:1-24. . . and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.— Matthew 1:16Christmas often brings families together for celebrations. In many ways this can be a wonderful time of celebration and encouragement.

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:46-56“The Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”— Luke 1:49One danger we can slip into at Christmastime is discontent. Maybe we long for “the perfect gift” from someone. Or we hope for the perfect family gathering with “just the right people” around the

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:39-45“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”— Luke 1:45In many ways Mary’s surprise pregnancy was not welcome news. Though she had accepted God’s will, it must have been puzzling. God’s way of working in her life was rather shocki

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:26-38“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”— Luke 1:38Surprise is a part of many stories people tell at Christmastime. Lots of folk stories, novels, and movies with Christmas themes include fun twists and surprises. And often the most

Scripture Reading — Luke 1:8-25Zechariah asked . . . “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”— Luke 1:18Zechariah and Elizabeth had grown old waiting for a child. But then one day, when Zechariah had an opportunity to burn incense in a holy, inner room of the